Even though the recommended age for the Zostavax vaccine (old one) was 60, my insurance company fully covered the cost when I got it in December of 2016 when I was 52. I have been putting off getting the new one until I have a weekend where I can afford to feel like I have the flu.
Got the shot yesterday after work. The nurse told me to make sure I kept moving my arm and to rub the injection site to help the medicine move through my body and to not get a knot. I got it in my right arm, because I’m right handed and figured I’d move it more. But boy another good reason to get it in my right arm is because I sleep on my left side. My arm is really sore and when I’d turn over on my right side in my sleep, I didn’t stay there very long. So keep that in mind if you sleep on one side vs the other.
Today I got up and was going about my business cleaning house, washing clothes and probably mid morning I started to feel a little sluggish. I probably could’ve powered through it, but I decided to be a bit of an actress and spent the day in bed reading and watching netflix while my family waited on, sshhh. I went into this with a little cold so I was worried I was gonna get sick but honestly I’m fine. And I’m also 52 so had read it hit you harder if you were younger, but that wasn’t my experience.
And before I left my doc’s office they scheduled me to come back in 2 mos for the other shot. I didn’t comment on if it would be in stock, I was a little surprised they scheduled me. Maybe the supply is catching up to the demand??
Well too late for Shingrex. I’m pretty sure I have Shingles. I’m 49. Going to doctor today to confirm. Ugh.
@chb088, oh, no! Good luck.
Unbelievable timing. I was just asking about the vaccine a couple of days ago and my physical is next week and I was going to ask. I’m too young so they probably weren’t going to give it to me anyway. Thanks @MaineLonghorn
Confirmed with Shingles. Have to see eye doctor too.
Hope you were started on anti-viral for your shingles. When started early enough, it can be huge help! It helped mine never develop as badly as H’s and D’s.
@chb088 – sorry to hear this! I hope you’re feeling okay. Good grief – talk about timing.
Maybe this was already discussed, but is there a reason that it’s age 50 for Shingrix?
I got the earlier shingles shot when I was 50, even tho I had to pay out of pocket. Was glad to do it.
So sorry, @chb088! Echoing what @HImom said about the antivirals, and hoping yours doesn’t develop too badly.
@chb088 Wish you well, hopefully it’s a mild case.
@SeeksKnowledge On same schedule as you, had shot Friday and did right arm cause I sleep on left side as well. Happy to report absolutely no soreness at all, but hubby’s was a little sore for a couple days. Nurse advised to constantly rotate arm which I did a lot for first couple hours and rubbed it gently.
Also told me they already had the second shot and that both doses come in (or are reserved) together. Meaning they wouldn’t give you one without knowing the second was already available. At least that’s how it worked at my doc’s office.
@CADREAMIN good to know thanx!!
My arm was only sore for a day. By Sunday you wouldn’t of even known I had the shot?.
@chb088 Oh, no! I hope it isn’t too severe. FYI, my doc had me get Shingrix after my bout of shingles went away. So might ask your doc once you are on the other side of this.
I’m still looking for the shingrix. Not available anywhere near here!
I just had my second shot a few days ago, barely squeaking in under the recommended six month mark. Same side affects as the first time, low grade fever, aching, general malaise, sore arm, etc. but all symptoms resolved about 24 hours after onset. It wasn’t pleasant but something I will gladly put up with in order to avoid shingles. I have a friend whose has had three children (labor & delivery times three, one prolonged and difficult), two bouts of kidney stones and yet says her one instance of shingles topped all those experiences in the pain department. Definitely looking to avoid that.
For all you LA people looking for the vaccine, I found CVS to be the most helpful. They actually put together a waiting list and proactively move people through. Walgreens, not so much. As a matter of fact, they refused to do any sort of waitlist and my local store stopped attempting to order altogether until the manufacturer sorts out their supply issues. I’m certainly going to remember that CVS was more helpful the next time I have a prescription to fill.
I think they changed from 6 to 12 months for the second shot…
Probably because they couldn’t provide the vaccine within 6 months!
I can’t find dose one.
@thumper1 I did read where the interval for the second shot was changed from six to twelve months but most pharmacies in this area are still holding to the six month timeframe. As a matter of fact, two people received their first shots at the same time I had my second and they were both scheduled to come back before 6 months.
ETA: Try calling the independent pharmacies in your area. Some of my friends are having better luck there than at the larger chains.
I don’t know of one independent pharmacy in my area! All have been put out of business by having a CVS or Walgreens on every other corner! And pharmacies in all the grocery stores, and target and Walmart.
I’ll spend more time on this next Friday!
My insurance will only pay if done in a “clinic”, not a pharmacy :(. So I wait…
H is a part time doc at a large HMO and he has not had even the first one due to the shortage and he is nearly 70. I jumped when it came out and managed to get both of mine.