"Most likely to develop in people over 50, shingles occurs when the chickenpox virus, which goes dormant after the childhood illness, is reactivated."
So - if a shingles outbreak only develops in people who have had the "childhood chickenpox virus" - then there may be many patients who don't require the vaccine! Are there any statistics available indicating the percentage of children who were actually infected by the virus?
The dilemma is that individual childhood information is not readily available! Most people can't recall if they were infected by the virus as a child. Consequently, a logical solution would then be a simple lab test to determine the need for the vaccination in the first place. Why get the vaccination if it is not necessary?
1
I just spent a major portion of this weekend unsuccessfully trying to get the vaccine.
I cannot unequivocally state as a fact that the Trump administration has in any way contributed to this problem.
What I can say with certainty is that the current state of chaos and crisis that are now evident at Justice, Defense, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Housing and many other
departments of the federal government are clearly attributable
to incompetence and intentional malfeasance.
And these are impeachable offenses.
2
Returning to announce success in locating the second dose (which I believe is the identical to the first) - at a privately owned pharmacy. Perhaps that is the secret - or you just have to keep checking.
The big chains CVS and Rite Aid/Walgreen both advised that they were out, and are getting small deliveries of around a dozen doses at a time, no where near enough to administer to all of those on a wait list.
Reaction? The arm is as sore as the first time, but that is it.
There's a 6 month period in which to get the followup shot: if you miss getting one in this time frame, the suggestion is to get the followup anyway as soon as you can.
If production doesn't meet the demand for the second, GSK is going to have some 'splainin' to do -- and I would think might have to compensate those they lured but couldn't serve in some way or other.
I have been trying to get the second Shingrix shot for the last three months. The pharmacies tell me they don't know when they'll get it and have no explanation other than GSK manufacturing problems. Why these manufacturing problems persist is something that perhaps the press can look into. Wait till we have a serious problem, like an epidemic, and see whether the companies can gear up in time. God knows what subsidies these companies receive from the taxpayer, and what lobbyists pay Congress, but the consumer keeps getting a runaround from Big Pharma.
There is a new article published in Med Page regarding The Ohio Association of Rheumotologists annual meeting . All persons with any autoimmune conditions were purposely excluded from all the trials of Shingrix due to concerns about a new Adjuvant that has never before been used on humans.They were worried that it might cause flare ups in auto immune diseases or even cause Auto immune cost ions since Adjuvants kick up the immune system. They are making a fortune from this vaccine and it's safety has never been properly evaluated. I am still suffering with severe side effects nearly a month after my 2nd Shingrix shot.
Believe I paid about 210.00 at Costco pharmacy earlier this year and managed to get both shots. I did have a reaction to the 1st vaccine which developed by about the 3rd day (when the package insert states most reactions should be resolving.) I had a raised red, dry, itchy, burning rash at the injection site which lasted about 3 weeks and slowly faded. It was enough to convince me a real case of shingles would be pretty horrific. The second vaccine brought just a minor redness at the injection site sore arm and no other issues. Have never had any reaction to any previous vaccine other than a sore injection site.
1
My sister in law took this shot about 6 months ago and has been ill with strange nerve inflammation in her neck, head and leg since. She has seen the best Neurologists, pain managemen, etc. No one can really understand or help her with her strange pains. Be careful with this shingles immunization.
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A TRUE HORROR TALE: I had an average case of shingles in 2004--prior to the development of any vaccine. The infection was treated immediately with the proper drugs than lessened the attack. Nevertheless, the pain that resulted from the infection--post herpetic neuralgia (PHN)-- is still with me and is unbearable. Every minute of my life for the past 14 years I have suffered from pain on my torso that I liken to a third-degree burn that is being stuck by needles (or nails!) This is the result of nerves permanently damaged by shingles. There may be ointments that temporarily work for an hour or so, but there is no cure. What is more, my PNH, which began as a small spot on my back and shot through my body to another small spot on my chest, has "excited" all the nerves on the left side of my torso, front and back. I am totally comfortable only when I am naked on my top. No, I don't have a social life and yes, I live alone. Get the injections somehow and lobby for them to be covered by Medicare and other insurance!
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I suggest waiting at least a year after this injections public release to observe safety data. I read this article with a good does of scepticism. Most 'pharma' studies today are biased to promote the 'latest' Rx or injection which is pushed by of biggest and most notorious drug dealers in the world (GSK, among others).
The pharma industry seems to be the single large advertiser in the US today and the hype they create, maybe even this 'shortage', will only increase demand for this product.
Patient beware.
In the UK, the National Health Service (we all have this insurance over here) offer a shingles vaccine to everyone at the age of 70. I'm an American ex-pat and was worried about giving up my 'elite' and very expensive health insurance plan by moving here but, frankly and surprizingly to me, I believe I'm getting better care and coverage over here. I would have never predicted this.
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@DeannP
Another "Big Pharma" scare. As though Big Pharma was some huge soulless machine, not groups of people who suffer from the same diseases we do and want to be cured as much as we do.
Drugs are hugely expensive to identify, test, test, test again and finally to pass regulatory hurdles. So few possible combinations of chemicals finally make it to become useful additions. All that expense has to be recouped somehow. It has to be passed along to the drugs that do finally make the cut, at least until the day when the government undertakes to be the researcher of last resort.
I'm not talking about the inexcusable increase in pricing in "orphan" drugs, by the way, just the existing model of finding new drugs.
So let's stop blaming Big Pharma, through whom the huge advances of our health have come in the last hundred years.
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@DeannP Universal health coverage, like the NHS, serves a population that lives longer, has lower infant mortality, and better metrics all around, including EVERYBODY.
You were surprised? You shouldn't have been. The Brits love the NHS, and are struggling hard to preserve it now with a conservative government and 'austerity'.
1
I've asked several docs and pharmacists this, no one seems to have an answer:
If a person is on daily Valtrex, the drug used to treat/lesson shingles, does he need this vaccine?
I don't believe so. When my father was old and o in worsening health his doctor put him on Valtrex prophylactically because the old vaccine was only 50 - 60 percent effective.
1
What about insurance coverage? Last time I checked, it still wasn’t covered by BC Medicare Advantage.
4
The pr by the SmithGlaxo is pathetic. I received my first shot at the largest US pharmacy in April and through their contact with SmithG the word is “no idea” when the vaccine will be provided again, “unlikely before 2019.” Ditto for my health care system.
3
The link to SmithGlaxo’s “Shingrix Locator” is updated monthly. And thus is inaccurate.
6
Consumers beware: the GMK website that supposedly helps you find availability of Shingrex DOES NOT help. It is only a database of providers, which it spits out to you with no actual indicator of availability. The site--one of the biggest worldwide corporations--seems to be unable or unwilling to help consumers. It claims to "update monthly." GMK will not acknowledge its hand in this PR-health care mess, instead claims a "success" for being so popular.
4
We have seen some pretty severe muscle aches and fever from this vaccine. I wouldn't be in a huge hurry to get it as there will be significantly more safety data available a year after release. (There is no excuse not to get your flu shots and pneumonia vaccines however.)
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@Kit I know dozens of people who've received both doses, including myself, that have had not one side affect.
Muscle aches and slight fevers are not uncommon with vaccines, including the ones you recommend. The benefits far outweigh the risk of contracting this horrible disease and anyone who is eligible to receive it should do so, sooner than later.
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Muscle aches and fever are NOTHING compared to a case of shingles.
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@Kit Good advice on waiting at least a year to observe safety data. I read this article with a good does of scepticism. Most 'pharma' studies today are biased to promote the 'latest' Rx or injection pushed by of biggest and most notorious drug dealers in the world (GSK). The pharma industry seems to be the single large advertiser in the US today and I can't help to think that the hype they've created, including this 'shortage', will only increase demand for this product.
Patient beware.
In the UK, the National Health Service (we all have this insurance over here) offer a shingles vaccine to everyone at the age of 70. I'm an American ex-pat and was worried about giving up my 'elite' and very expensive health insurance plan by moving here but, frankly and surprizingly to me, I believe I'm getting better care and coverage over here. I would have never predicted this.
The shingles vaccine should at this point be made a high priority for the elderly, those with compromised immune systems, and those who have had shingles at least once before. Healthy people in their 50’s and early 60’s can wait, as they are less likely to suffer omg term devastating consequences.
I’ve had shingles twice and was immunocompromised for two years. Currently I’m off those drugs, but my status could change at any time. I am hoping I can get the set of shots before I have to go through all that again.
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From the aspect of providing vaccine as promised, Glaxo Smith Kline has been abysmal. As a small doctors office, we have been promised vaccine, lined up patients -- only to face cancellation after cancellation. The local CVS & Walgreens chain stores are supplied enough to give out immunizations at a walk-in basis. When we do receive vaccine, it is at a higher cost than promised. Typical shameful Pharma industry rip off.
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@John Ryan We have tried numerous CVS and Walgreens and they are always out.
5
My doctor's office referred me to a pharmacy (although not a specific one) on grounds that Medicare wanted the vaccination given in a pharmacy because it was cheaper. Fortunately, my pharmacist had no trouble obtaining the vaccine.
@WastingTime, Rite-Aid too.
I had the first shot in early summer and am supposed to have the second this month. I now have an area on my back with nerve pain but no blisters. Has anyone else had this ?
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@Kathleen C. someone who's had this now 3x, go to MD or urgent center now! The vaccine can cause the virus to reawaken & if you take antiviral meds within 48-72 hours it can limit the outbreak..
I've not been able to get the previous vaccine due to chemo/radiation/surgery. When I was able to get this new vaccine I got shingles in my eye and face. I would not wish this on my worse enemy.
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Do what pat recommended: now. Time is of the essence.
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I'm not a doctor so do seek medical advise. But I do know that unlike the old shingles virus (zostavax), Shingrix does NOT contain live virus. It is made up only of proteins that are found in it so I'd bet a great deal that the vaccine can't "wake up" the dormant virus. Nor have I ever seen a single report of that occurring.
2
My doc's office tried to order this for me the other day, and the system prevented them from even scheduling me for one. But I'll keep trying. Shingles was the beginning of the decline for several folks in my family. The pain, the sores, unrelenting and difficult to cover. Kept Dad from his usual social network which I know hurt him psychologically very much too.
I know there are side effects, potentially. But sign me up.
11
"Locking in" a second dose is futile if you live in an area like ours [a university town with many retired seniors] which has not received any shipments in months and where all pharmacies have long waiting lists for booster shots. I received a call from the pharmacy where I had received the first shot, when I entered the 2-6 month window of eligibility for the booster. Purpose of these calls: to tell customers that there was no vaccine. GSK's poor planning has resulted in a situation where large numbers of vulnerable people may not receive the full medical benefit of timely immunization.
6
Got Shot #1 in April, #2 last week. Pain was insignificant--similar to other vaccinations. Those worrying about the pain of the shots should take heart that at least some of us don't have a problem. My first shot was in Florida, the second in NY. Same pharmacy chain, and same policy of not requiring an Rx.
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@Ken F
Curious that the vaccine was available in NY. There's no vaccine in this part of Florida. I'm hoping to get my booster in DC next week [if it hasn't run out.]
1
@Ken F
Got mine at a Rite Aid ( part of Walgreen's)
It did hurt a bit more being administered,
and the soreness lasted longer than with, say, a flu shot. The pharmacist said it might have something to do with the kind of needle they were using. It's not a reason not to get it, but don't worry if your arms is sore for a few days.
1
The experts are out of touch with the real world. I am on a list to receive the first shot. I was told the waiting list is very, very long and as soon as the pharmacy gets a batch, the people waiting for their 2nd shot are ahead of people waiting for the first shot. But they are having trouble just having enough vaccine to give the second shots, which pushes the first shot even further out.
I am using the delay to look into alternatives to my current Plan D pharmacy program, since the one I have now under Medicare pays NOTHING towards Shingrix. Even with higher premiums next year (or the same premium), I hope to find a provider that covers the vaccine.
VOTE in NOVEMBER. Trump is doing nothing to benefit health care recipients.
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In my area most of us are getting flu and other shots, including shingles shots, in walk in drug stores, CVS, etc. I had my first shot almost 3 months ago and only when I walked in for my second shot did I learn of this shortage. No way to make an appointment for a second shot.
5
Got my 1st shot in April. 2 months later, I could not find the vaccine near me in the SF Bay Area. Luckily, I was in British Columbia in September and was able to get the 2nd shot at a lower cost.
5
@Steve I don't know if it's cheaper in Canada. I paid $155 for the first shot in CAD dollars but then our incomes here are less so it seems to be about the same price for us here. I didn't find any shortage in September, the pharmacy said they always have it in stock now so I didn't even need to call before I go for it. Not sure if there will suddenly be a shortage in November when I go for the second dose.
I got both shots this spring. I have Medicare. I'm still working. OOP was ~290$ for both. My monthly Medicare premiums are ~640$/mo. Once again, penalized for remaining productive. It's a wonder anyone still works in this country.
12
I got the 2nd Shingrex shot 10 days ago. Side effects of this one are severe. Extreme fatigue, painful tingling throughout body, dizziness , stomach pains, rashes. I have heard that doctors have been hearing multiple reports of bad and long lasting side effects . Mine are worse today than a week ago . I know Shingles are awful as my parents both had it but it’s not much comfort right now.
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@Miranda Smith
I experienced the same symptoms after the first (and that will be my last) Shingrex shot. My doctor said that 5% of his patients had this response. The ordeal lasted for two weeks. And, my immune system seems to be affected. I'm on my second cold in the 6 weeks since the shot. More people should speak out about their bad experiences with this vaccine.
12
My cousin on her way to India got a few vaccines , typhoid etc. Her doctor warned her not to get Shingrex. He said a number of his patients have been getting very ill from long lasting side effects and he thought the vaccine should be pulled. Considering how horrible I feel I would agree until further evaluation.
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@Miranda Smith
I do hope you feel better soon. Thank you for speaking out about this virus and sharing your experience. My feeling is that if the vaccine had been for small children the adverse reactions such as ours would have been prompted a huge outcry from concerned parents.
1
I was very sore and had a temperature after my 2nd Shingrix shot.
But, I've also had Shingles. Believe me, you do NOT want to get Shingles!
The vaccine was covered by my health insurance. For me there was no copay. But even if you have to pay, if you can afford it, you should get it!
24
I’m not surprised. The current population receiving shot consists of those who had taken the old vaccine and those newly eligible to take Singrex. Once those who had taken the old vaccine are newly vaccinated, the population left, on an ongoing basis, will be those newly eligible for Singrex. I can see that the manufacturer of Singrex would not want to expend money to ramp up production to accommodate people who had taken the old vaccine as once that population was vaccinated, the ongoing market for the vaccine will be much less than the vaccine being produced.
In my opinion the amount of Singrex being produced is probably close to the amount projected for those newly eligible, and does not consider those who had taken the old vaccine.
3
@DB. I had Zostavax at age 61. Merck sent me a check for the full cost I paid. Last year just after I turned 67, my PCP said to get Shingrix as soon as I could find it--that Zostavax was only 50% effective and that after 3 years, patients who were tested had no zoster antibodies.
I found a local supermarket's pharmacy that had it, and they advised me to pay in advance for the second dose and it would be held for me. They apologized that neither my Medicare PartB, nor my Part B "Medigap" & Part D supplements would cover it. I recall what my mom, cousins & friends (some in their early 50s) went through with shingles, so I paid. Got a sore arm and a large warm but painless red patch that spread over the skin of most of my outer upper arm, but it disappeared. Two months later, the pharmacy texted me to come and get my second dose. No worse reaction than a flu shot that time.
Last month, I got a check from Social Security's Office for Medicare & Medicaid services, with no explanation as to what it was for. Went online to my credit card issuer and looked up previous statements: the check was for the exact amount I paid for the two doses.
1
Was able to get both doses well within 6 months and my insurance covered the whole cost (I have private insurance). I had shingles in 2005 so really want to avoid that! I was sick for about 24 hours with flu-like symptoms after the first shot and had fewer sx (but a few) after the second. So worth it. Many of us are old enough to remember measles, mumps, rubella -- vaccines save lives. The anti-vaxxers just shock me.
28
I am surprised and dismayed at reading the article and the comments. I had my first shot in April and my second in July.
My out of pocket expenses - Zero. For the record I am 74.
7
My out of pocket was also zero. It depends on your Medicare supplemental insurance. As to side effects, a little pain and swelling, nothing more. Obviously, side effects vary.
You should have mentioned the high cost of the vax in this article. If it weren’t for that there would be a lot more people wanting it. I’m on Medicare and have excellent supplemental insurance, but Medicare didn’t pay for any part. Just the first of the two shots was around $140, as I recall. So sad because I know there’s no way a lot of elderly could afford that, and of course they’re the group most in need.
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@Nancy
It is crazy. Mine was covered except for $15.
@Nancy
If you go to a mediclinic, the cost could be zero.
@Nancy Given the cost of treating shingles, the vaccine should be free to low income people over 50.
I have had both doses. Yes a couple days of downtime are possible after each dose.
I want GlaxoSmithKline and other pharmaceuticals to realize that there is a market for vaccines that work well! Vaccines can actually be a cure as opposed to some drug that I will need for the rest of my life. I realize there is a need for both. This is proof that if you make a good vaccine, we will buy it!
10
I just got my first shot a week ago - pharmacy had 7 doses available for the 1st series shot. My arm was sore, but I've had shots all my life and it was no big deal.Sure, some % of people get what is called a Grade 3 reaction, which is significant enough to impair normal activities. But frankly, given the potential for permanent nerve damage, blindness caused by damage to the optic nerve, and other effects of shingles, it seems to be more than a fair trade-off.
Most of the people complaining about manufacturing delays have never been inside a manufacturing plant and wouldn't know the first thing about increasing production of pacifiers, let alone vaccines. Get the first, book your second, call regularly.
10
Had my first Shingrix shot in July, expecting soreness at the injection site. I had soreness in spades, plus fever, sharp stomach pains, nausea, joint flu like pains. Could not get out of bed for two days. I have never had an adverse reaction to an immunization before. Read the fine print: 1 out of 6 people have these adverse reactions, so plan your life accordingly. This really should be made more widely known. 1 out of 6 is high. Now I have to plan the second injection around a time when I can spare two days of bedrest. That is, if I can find a place that has it.
12
I had reactions to the old vaccine and the shingrix vaccine. By far th e worst reaction was to the second shot of shingrix. Had joint pain, fatigue and a rash on my arm that took a while to go away. But having heard so many shingles horror stories, I'm grateful for the new, more effective vaccine.
6
@Sandie
Having worked, myself, in an ophthalmologist's office where we treated many maladies, mainly pediatric eye conditions, older shingles' patients would present with horrendous lesions that included the eye, forehead, cheek neck. I was quite young, and of course there was no talk at all about vaccinations, only treatment of this horrifyingly painful and disfiguring calamity. Thirty five years later, so glad there is a high probability of a vaccination "cure". I can still remember the horror and pain of those I countered in early 1980s medicine.
@Karen. It's possible that the injection was administered improperly--either subcutaneously (it should be intramuscular, into the deltoid muscle of the arm), the two vials inadequately mixed together, or improperly stored. After my first shot in Feb., I got a swollen sore arm with an oval area of redness that over the course of a few days spread to most of the skin of my outer upper arm before it receded. Had the second dose two months later--and had no greater reaction than from a flu shot. (Both were at the pharmacy of a local supermarket).
If you get shingles, you'll feel a lot worse and have to take off more than two days from work.
Unfortunately, when you've already paid for a 2nd dose with a big-box pharmacy, you're stuck. I know. I've been waiting for 8 months now. I call the pharmacy every week, but nothing so far. Part of me wants my money back.
7
I got the two dose Shringrix vaccine in April and June with no problem, no complications and paid for by my supplemental health insurance.
4
I got the first dose at the end of August -- when Pharmacies had signs up inviting people to get the vaccine which seemed to be plentiful then. It was not quite a month ago: so what happened in between?
Certainly hope the 2nd one become available in time to make the first effective.
5
I read the studies that showed the significantly improved protection of Shingrix compared to Zovirax. I received the 2 doses in April and August. I have 2 caveats. The local reaction can be quite painful and I had to pay the full cost $320 as my Medicare HMO plan only pays for the less effective Zovirax.
13
@ML Sweet I too had a nasty arm muscle pain for a couple of days after the first shot. I just had the second shot today so I don't know how it will go this time although the pharmacist who administered the shot said she would inject it deeper this time. She had heard about this side effect from other patients.
1
When I received the first dose in February, my PCP said the doses came paired, and that they store the second (labelled with my info) in their refrigerator until I got the second dose in April. That way, they were assured no one would get the first without the second being available.
16
Medicare classified this shot in a manner which forced it to be covered only when delivered only by pharmacies. Pharmacies were totally unprepared for a TWO shot sequence within the 2-6 month window. Walgreens in my town reserved / set aside the second shot when they gave the first shot. CVS kept giving out first shots till they ran out. Now the second shot hungry masses are frantically trying to find a shot. GSK’s vaccine finder is a list of every pharmacy that ever received a shipment in the past year— NOT a reliable list of who has it. A month ago I called every provider in the GSK list for my County and not one shot was available anywhere.
2
If the Shingrix vaccine turns out to be less effective when the second dose is greater than six months after the first dose, GlaxoSmithKline as well as the consumer will suffer from the reduced efficacy. Whatever basis Glaxo used to estimate demand, it failed. Who's fault is that?
Of equal concern is the chaos generated by the Shingrix vaccine regarding reimbursement (or not) by Medicare Part D drug plans. Some plans have been covering most of the cost while others are paying nothing, with each dose costing around $160.
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