Re: https://www.wbur.org/commonhealth/2018/12/07/shingles-vaccine-shortage-shingrix
No surprise that people were not too enthusiastic about a less effective vaccine but now want a more effective vaccine. The larger age range of recommendation (50+ for Shingrix instead of 60+ for Zostavax) may also be a reason for increased demand.
Actually the age for Zostervax dropped to 50 awhile after it was out too (from 60).
I definitely recommend calling around. I was told my local CVS that none of the CVS stores in my area had them, but after a couple of calls, I found it at one of the CVS locations inside a Target.
Interestingly, my insurance (a BC PPO with a separate drug plan) will not cover it if it’s given by a health care provider and cover it completely if it’s given by a pharmacy. My internist told me to check Costco, but they’ve been out for a while (got my first shot there but was not able to get a second).
True. In addition, the demand might be increased due to demographics – baby boomers hitting 60’s, and we many of us have had or know someone who have had shingles. Even a ‘mild’ case can be a lousy 2-3 weeks. A severe case can leave permanent nerve damage. Word of mouth gets around, particularly on social media. A vaccine is a no-brainer for the masses. (Sure, there is always the no-vaccine crowd, but not considering them…)
I had tried to get a Shingrix vaccine back in the summer. I didn’t know about the shortage.The nurse in my doctor’s office said that Kaiser was restricting it to patients 70 and over, which is not my age range. I was also told to keep checking. I was finally able to make an appointment for next week as well as the appointment for the second shot. I could only get the appointments because the nurse at a different clinic who was doing some tests for my new chronic condition was able to override the system.
I’m on the wait list for Shingrix, DH just got diagnosed and is at the doctor for treatment. Just came on this week, so maybe they can help it from getting out of hand. Merry Christmas.
A few years ago I wanted to get the earlier vaccine, but insurance would not cover until I was 60. Have been on the wait list a couple of months, might try to get on another wait list or 3.
I had my name on a wait list at the pharmacy we use and was told my cost would be $140. Well after reading this for awhile and hearing about people younger than me in my area coming down with shingles I thought well let me call around. After putting my name on several lists I called a Walgreens that is in the hospital and they had stock.
Well the best part was that they said my BCBS covered me 100%. Really!!! I had previously been told have to be 60 which I’m not so had been willing to pay after reading all these stories. Anyway just had the shot and so far no problems.
On my way home I was thinking that maybe BCBS covered because this pharmacy was located in the hospital. I really don’t know but I’m hoping to get then second one there when the time comes. Only had to pay a dollar for parking so good deal.
That’s great you didn’t have to pay and we’re able to get your 1st dose! It is odd sometimes how at some places there is no copay for getting a vaccine while at others there can be a significant cost. It’s very puzzling — guess it depends on whatever contract your insurer has with various pharmacies and or others who may offer the vaccine.
Got my first Shingrix shot today at the Kaiser clinic. No copay. Woohoo!
Our close friends’ 27-year-old son was just diagnosed with shingles. It’s not just an old people’s disease. It’s a good reminder that we need to tell our 26-year-old son to get the vaccination. He got chicken pox just before the vaccination came out for it.
Very different reaction between the two shots! I had a sore arm with my first shot, but got a terrible reaction from the second one (last week). Fever of 102.2, chills, aches. Lasted 2 days. I’m so afraid of getting shingles that I’m still glad to have gotten the vaccine, even with severe side effects.
I had the fever, chills and sore arm both times I received the vaccine for a day or so. I would much rather have this than shingles!
Having had both shingles and the first Shingrix vaccine dose with a flu-like reaction (waiting for 2 dose to come in now), I guarantee you that is the right way to think about it, @showmom858!
Its hard even to get on a wait list around here. I’ll keep calling around.
The Valtrex seems to be doing the trick for DH, the rash stopped at his eyebrow and the redness and swelling are going down. My understanding is that once the sores scab over he will no longer be contagious.
Fingers crossed that his remains a mild case.
He has been avoiding families with babies the past week, we just learned that one neighbor who is ~40 never had chicken pox or the vaccine, so that is more reason to limit contact for a few more days. Bad time of year for that.
@showmom858 – yes. And the hardship of your first shot would be just that and wasted!
@MomofJandL – So sorry this happened. I hope that your husband continues to respond positively to the Valtrex.
@martharap – I’m glad I didn’t read your post before my husband went off for his second shot 
Honestly, I kept telling him that if he didn’t have a bad reaction first one, pretty solid this one. Whew! He didn’t have any reaction second shot, so I donned my Wonder Woman cape for a few minutes.
Reporting second shot (first shot adverse reaction fever 102.5, aches, etc): Took ibuprofen immediately after injection and pretty consistently for 24 hours after. All symptoms moderated: fever ~ 100, less symptoms (aches, chills, etc.) Arm reaction still softball size red area underneath injection site, etc. but that wasn’t the game changer.
Not real proud that I activated code stink-eye when the nurse told me (pat, pat,pat) yeah, (pat, pat, pat) some people had been running slight fevers (pat, pat, pat) I’ll blame it on the nerves and you know, first hand experience:)
Continuing to hope for good outcomes.
Still haven’t been able to get the second shot. Our immunization clinic has a hotline to call now: nothing available untill the new year. After that they’ll update the hotline whenever a shipment arrives. I’m happy I got the first dose when I did!
Just had my first shot this afternoon. I’m 52, no family history of shingles, and I’ve never had a bad reaction to a vaccine. I was so scared going in. I’m a health writer–I’ve even written about how people should get Shingrix–and I still let all the online comments make me almost back out. Other than a sore arm I feel absolutely fine, but then again it’s only been 2.5 hours. Wish me luck!
DH and I were at Sam’s today. While passing the pharmacy, I asked if they had the vaccine. They did! They said that they had gotten 10 doses on Christmas Eve and had 4 left. What a surprise!
Just got my second Shingrix shot yesterday. Definitely a much worse, full-on-flu-feeling response to this one, but as so many upthread have said, better that than shingles!
Also interesting to note: Our local CVS, where I got my first shot, offered me a spot on the fourth page of a waiting list when I went in hoping to get the second. I had other errands to do, one of which took me in the orbit of another CVS, where the pharmacy practically pounced on me to administer a dose. Go figure.
Got a phone call from my local CVS yesterday, where I’ve been on the waiting list for the second Shingrix dose for several months. Hallelujah - it’s in and I got the shot a few hours ago. No ill effects yet. Last time around, I was fairly miserable the next day, so time will tell.
It’s been 8-9 months since my first dose. The pharmacist says that the recommendations have changed, and now the second dose can be administered up to 12 months after the first.