I've noted before that ET complicates everything, and that includes protection against the shingles virus.
Shingles affects about one in three people over age 65. Those who had chicken pox as children already have the shingles virus (though this is not a guarantee you will get shingles). Shingles is not pleasant, and a more severe strain of the virus can cause painful blistering for many months. Blisters can also leave faint scars.
Those of us with ET, especially those on chemo, are considered immuno suppressed and may run a higher risk of shingles and for getting a more severe case.
Here's where it gets complicated:
Patients on hydroxyurea (Hydrea) and other chemo, are warned away from vaccines with "live" viruses. The old shingles vaccine was made with live virus.
A new vaccine made with "killed" virus was made available by the FDA in the U.S. last year. It may be safer now (and more effective) for those of us with ET.
HOWEVER, according to the Washington Post, this vaccine does not come with an OK for those who are immuno suppressed like us. So read this article and take it to your doc's office to see if your doc OKs it.
The new vaccine is more expensive. I have heard reports of $200 per dose, more than twice the cost of the old vaccine. So do check to see if your insurance or national health program pays for it.
Be well!
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ET is a serious disease that requires specialist care. Discuss anything you read here with your doctor. No comments promoting "alternative" or "natural" cures (yes, this includes Rick Simpson's Oil) will be published.