It is only 50% effective. However, I had it, because it was free for me. You can ask about side effects either your doc, or whoever administer the shot. I did not have any side effects. Also, anybody can have shingles, not only older us. Few med. students in their 20s in D’s med. school class had shingles due to severe stress caused by preparation to one of the exams.
I got the shingles shot (Target Pharmacy) after I turned 60 - free with insurance. No side effects.
My neighbor suffered through a bout of shingles. She looked miserable. I didn’t even hesitate to get the shot after seeing her.
ignatus,
As long as you keep in mind that you and I may still have shingles despite of the shot.
Both DH and I are over 60 and got the shot at CVS with a prescription. Insurance totally covered the cost. Zero side effects and although neither of us have ever had shingles we understand that this vaccine is not a preventative but will lessen the effects if you do develop shingles.
D had shingles when she was a teen. H had shingles some years later. Both just wanted to sleep but we’re in such pain that sleep was very difficult!
I’d rather reduce my chances by getting the shot! Many vaccines aren’t 100% effective, but the diseases they protect against are not something you want. A 50% reduction in my odds for shingles seems well worth it.
Got mine at a pharmacy, totally covered. But my Doc had to write a perscription and I am over 60.
My D1 got shingles when she was a student abroad in Switzerland at age 21. It was very painful. But she got into a Doc on our insurance’s international doc list almost immediately and the duration was reduced because of prescribed drugs. S’s friend has had it twice and he is in his 30’s. Again, very painful. Friend’s elderly mom got it and it has made her life miserable for years. It was in her face.
So I would get the shot!
I forgot to ask my primary last time I was there. I checked at the benefits fair and I believe I am eligible this year. My mom’s dr recommended it for her several years ago, her insurance didn’t cover- I took RX to pharmacy and got shot to be give in dr office. I believe it was $243. I didn’t let mom know how much it cost, she tried to give me $20 but I refused it.
Shingles is a horrid disease. The cost is small compared to the pain you’ll experience if you are unlucky enough to suffer from shingles. The only side effect I had from the shot was a slight itching at the injection site for a couple of days. Don’t be pennywise and pound foolish with something like shingles.
Got mine a few months ago. My insurance covered every bit (I had just turned 60 ) at the “clinic” at the local pharmacy. No prescription from Dr needed. Had the flu shot at the same time. Shingles shot was worse but not bad. Some heat and swelling at the site for several days, but nothing really to complain about. My TDaP last year was about the same. Flu is such an easy one!
checked with my local walgreens and they said, not covered, under my plan.
My doc said that not all insurers cover it, and he said he generally tells his patients to get it at age 65, since medicare does cover it.
I got the shot last year at 57. My insurance pays 100% at any pharmacy. The caveat was, between the ages of 55 and 59 requires a doctor’s prescription. Over age 60 no prescription was required.
No pain, no side effects.
I called my insurance (Cigna) before my last physical a few months ago and was told they removed the age restrictions for coverage. Got the shingles shot in one arm and the flu shot in the other. One was a tad sore afterward (don’t remember which) but no major side effects. I’m 56 and know three younger friends who’ve had shingles. They, along with my elderly parents, all said it was a miserable experience.
I have had back and neck problems for almost 4 decades. Multiple injuries, PT, injections, rehab, surgery. Other than the surgery, I was never offered and never asked for narcotic pain relief. When I had shingles 5 years ago, I was in agony when I arrived at the ER. There was no discussion: narcotics ordered and gratefully received. This is an angry condition; if you don’t need radical relief, you’ve either had a mild case, or you have an incredible pain threshold.
Get the vaccine no matter the insurance situation unless it truly is cost prohibitive.
Can you get shingles if you’ve never had chicken pox?
I never had chicken pox so I did get the CP vax when my D got hers
I had a very mild case about five years ago and decided I wasn’t going to tempt fate more than once, so I paid out of pocket for it as I was 50 then, and figured insurance wouldn’t pay for it. My PCP’s office gave it to me for their cost, which was around $180 at the time. If I get it again, I know it won’t be as bad. I’ll bet on those odds any old time! I’ve heard too many horror stories to even think twice about it.
got it the day my insurance covered it. Never looked back.
Did not realize that it is a relatively new vaccine!
But had a mother’s friend get it and she was so miserable.
Also, update all of your immunizations–your G’kids will need you to.
My insurance didn’t cover until age 60, so I had mine last month. There was no co-pay, since it’s considered preventive care. No side effects. The only problem was that it can’t be given at the same time as the flu shot, so I’ll go back in a couple of weeks for that.
Has anyone here who had CP as an adult had the shingles vaccine? I had a bad case at age 20 and the only other person I know who had adult CP had a nasty reaction to the shingles vaccine - n of 1 but it has discouraged me from getting the vaccine. But I’m also not keen on getting shingles …
Adding my voice to the chorus of those who had shingles - The most painful thing I have ever experienced! Get the shot!