As you know, Shingrix is a killed-virus vaccine that helps prevent shingles. According to the American Journal of Managed Care, about a third of all people will get shingles if they have had chicken pox, and the risk seems to be climbing. If you're on hydroxyurea like me, you're considered immune compromised, and that adds another shingles risk factor.
Fortunately, Shingrix, unlike the old vaccine, Zostavax, is a killed-virus vaccine and so safer for ET patients. It's also much more effective (about 90 percent) in preventing shingles. If you're over 50, your family doc or hematologist has probably urged you to get the Shingrix vaccine.
In the past year, Shingrix was scarce because production did not keep up with demand. My family doctor explained with some exasperation that everyone who got the old shingles vaccine rushed to get the new one, which is more effective, and that created a run on the supply. So those of us who a) had not had the old vaccine and b) who are immune compromised and can't take Zostavax often had to get on a waiting list at the local pharmacy or clinic.
You may want to let your local pharmacist know that you have an immune compromising condition. Mine moved me to the "priority" list for when the vaccine became available. Recently, Shingrix makers ramped up production, and I got a call from my local pharmacist telling me that my number was up. I got my first shot Sunday.
