Finally got my shingles shot!

Finally got my shingles shot today, which I had been worrying about for a while. My regular doctor does not give the shot and my health insurance said when I called them, that the shot had to be given by my primary care physician, in order for it to be covered. Catch - 22!! I went in to CVS and they said that it wasn't covered and the cost to me would be $250 out of pocket, so I dithered some more. Was in Walgreens today and thought I would just check to see if it was cheaper there. Somehow it ended up being covered, so I got it free. It seems almost everyone I know has had it, so I am happy to finally get the shot and excited to get it free!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/circle.gif" alt="" />

On a side note, they asked me if I wanted to get a flu shot at the same time, which was also free. I said no, didn't think that sounded too wise. Will go back in a couple of weeks and get that too..

Good for you. It is a shot everyone who ever had chicken pox should get.

Yes, I had been worried about it for a while. Not sure if something changed as far as the insurance is concerned, but glad it was covered.

Great move, Carol. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" /> Had shingles in April for 5 weeks and it was the most painful thing I ever went through. Everyone out there...............if you haven't had the shot, get it when you are able!

The Shingles vaccine wasn't available through my physician. The hospital where he has privileges has a Travel Clinic, which does administer it, at no cost to me. You have to wait a little bit, as it is stored frozen and must be prepared. For those who might be having trouble finding it, check to see of a local hospital has a similar clinic.

They had to mix it there at Walgreens also. Eric had shingles several years ago, and it was INCREDIBLY painful when he had it.

I went to our healthcare provider for a flu shot last week and when they were checking me in stated I was due for a shingles vaccination. I inquired if they can/should be given the same day and the answer was affirmative. Mine was free as well.

So did my wife, in her 40's, which is what pushed me to get the vaccine within weeks after my eligible birthday. I seriously considered paying out of pocket to get it early.

The shingles shot doesn't guarantee you won'y get it BUT if you do it will be less severe and for a shorter duration. Which a friend of mine had it and for $200 out of pocket for less suffering I feel it was a bargain for me.

Wendell

OK, I wasn't sure, so I erred on the side of caution.

Did you get the new Shingrix, or Zostavax? It's my understanding the CDC is recommending that those who have gotten the Zostavax vaccine now be revaccinated with Shingrix. I'm going to ask my doctor about it as I've been vaccinated with Zostavax.

Shingrix vs. Zostavax

I actually don't know. I wasn't real excited with the nurse who gave me the shot, as far as her knowledge, and they didn't give me any printed stuff at all.

One side effect for 2 days after the shot was a a lot of gas.
Wendell

Huhm, not for me so far.

I've been holding off on getting mine, as my primary care physician recommended the new vaccine (Shingrix). That was two years ago! It is supposed to be more effective and is apparently now available.

I had a mild case of shingles 20 or so years ago and I am therefore less likely to get it again, but the vaccine is still recommended. Gonna get it, one of these days.

Actually Eric asked both of his doctors and both said that he should NOT get the shot, since he had had it. Who knows? Apparently doctors don't!!

Good move Carol. I got shingles after my back operation and it's not fun!

It's really an awful thing. Don't want it!!

A note to those that procrastinate getting the shot.
Came down with shingles in left eye several years ago. Not a good time. 5 months later (not unusual according to eye specialist) got shingles again in same eye. Result was that my pupils do not dilate equally anymore. Sounds weird but could have been lots worse.
Don't be foolish. Get the shot!

Reduction of intolerant friends and acquaintances for a short time or about 10 days of SERIOUS pain. No brainer for me.

Carol, You won't regret getting the shop. If you remember I had shingles a few years ago while on St. Martin. Went from my spine down my leg to my calf. Didn't cause the pain that most have, but the oozing that came from all the sores was terrible. Had to sleep on a towel and couldn't wear pants. Perfect vacation spot if you have to get shingles where I did. Lasted 2 weeks. You can read more about it here: http://lifewithldub.blogspot.com/2012/05/a-real-pain-in-[censored]-story_05.html

Shingles is a very bad thing. Glad I got the shot. And stoked that I was able to get it for free!