For those over 60, feedback please on Shingles virus

I'm always highly suspicious of these vaccines, the cynic in me maybe. But it has always been my understanding that if you have ever had chicken pox, you already have the latent shingles virus lying dormant in your body, so I'm not sure how you can vaccinate against something you already have?

I've had shingles a couple of times, it can be uncomfortable, but unless it gets on your face or close to your eyes, it's pretty manageable. I'd probably give the vaccine a pass...

I'm always highly suspicious of these vaccines, the cynic in me maybe. But it has always been my understanding that if you have ever had chicken pox, you already have the latent shingles virus lying dormant in your body, so I'm not sure how you can vaccinate against something you already have?

I've had shingles a couple of times, it can be uncomfortable, but unless it gets on your face or close to your eyes, it's pretty manageable. I'd probably give the vaccine a pass...

i believe the chicken pox virus lays dormant in the base of your spin so i agree seems little point in a vaccine

I'm not over 60, but would recommend the vaccine. I've had a few family members suffer terribly with shingles in the pre-vaccine days and you do NOT want to go through that.

My mom is over 60 and gets the vaccine. Still hasn't gotten shingles.

I'm 43 but I've had shingles three times in my life. Once in my early 20s, again in my late 20s and the last time in my mid-30s. I actually plan to ask my doctor if I am at all eligible for this vaccine. I've had it in my back, running along the nerves into my chest. I've had it along my stomach and the last time I had it in my finger. The first two times there was nothing to relieve it except Tylenol 4s and I was in so much pain even with the medication. The last time I caught it really early, saw the doc and learned there was a new med you can take which will lessen the pain and the length of the episode. It was much more manageable but it was still very painful and it was painful for months as I would get residual shooting pain through the nerves in my hand.

The vaccine is FOR those who have had chicken pox because it stops the virus (which stays dormant in your system) from becoming shingles. Not everyone will have it turn into shingles but as you age, the chance is greater.

My grandmother had it in her eye and my dad has had it three or four times, the most painful in his chest and on his face.

I guess it all depends on how you feel about vaccines and the possibility of getting shingles as you get older.

I am over 60 and did get the vaccine. My MIL had shingles. It was very painful, she almost lost her sight, and the medicine the doctor gave her for it had serious and permanent side effects. The downside is that the site where I got the injection hurt for a week and it was expensive and not covered by our medical insurance. I know people younger than I am who've gotten shingles and I think now they let people in their 50s get the vaccine. We also had to get on a waiting list because there was (is?) a shortage.

I've had it twice. First time nasty and second time mild but I knew what it was very early and got on some meds. II just asked my Doctor 2 days ago about the vaccine and he doesn't reccommend it and says its very ineffective based on his experience with his patients.

if you can afford it...take it. the problem is shingles come at the worst time in your life. when a love one is taken, or very ill or when you are very ill. all this happens in a blink of an eye. for me I got them when my husband had cancer surgery. I had to work anyway. no fun! even if money is not an issue, you don't want to suffer with them while trying to be strong for someone you love or when you are taken ill or in a car accident. we just never know and why not prevent it if you can.

PLEASE get the shot. I had shingles a year ago, and believe me , I would not wish it on my worst enemy! There is no pain I've ever had that compares to it. I've had both knees and both hips replaced and have given birth, - there is nothing like what I felt with shingles. Mine was just about shoulder blade level, but down enough I couldn't reach. I had hubby put pain cream on it, I took advil, motrin, etc, used a heating pad and was in tears most of the time. The pain came and went. Of course it was the strongest over a weekend, but finally had hubby take me to the ER. Would you believe they had no idea what it was. Gave me a pain shot, some pain pills and sent me home with orders to see my primary dr. When i saw him, I told him that I couldn't even have a sheet touching my arm at night. He told me he knew right then what it was - he'd had it. Shingles. - I was lucky not to have had a rash. So, please, Like I said I wouldn't wish it on anybody. Get the shot if you can. It attacks the nerves which is why it hurts. Manageable - I have a high pain threshold according to my surgical dr, and this was pain I do not want again. Maybe if I had broken out with the rash it would have been less painful, but I didn't.

Did the affected area feel like it was on fire?

I had shingles when I was five, you can get it at any age. The reason people around 60 are singled out for the vaccine is they are less likely to be around children and reminded of their immunity to Chicken Pox. If you have complete immunity and your body is reminded it is immune, your risk of shingles is low.

I don't know if I would describe it as fire, but I knew the sheet on my arm at night "stung" so maybe you could say it did. The least bit of pressure would sting.

Those of you who opt NOT to get the vaccine? I hope you never get shingles. I know each case is different. The ads on tv are real. I had a slight case of chickenpox and was told I could probably get it again. I didn't. Think of the polio shots, and what is in them, do you still get the shot? Of course. What do you think are in vaccines? And being healthy and fit? It doesn't stop you from getting a cold, does it? Healthy and fit is not 100% guarantee you will never get sick - quit fooling yourselves.