Shingrix adjuvant QS-21

[lizw118]

I am trying to decide whether or not to get Shingrix. I have a prescription for it, but I am not sure if I should follow through with it. Shingrix is not live Shingles. It is a new vaccine that contains an adjuvant QS-21 which is said to stimulate T cells.
On one hand, I believe much of the pain around my eyes and head is a form of post herpetic neuralgia, as my worst symptoms started after contracting HV. Medications which help neuralgia, like gabapentin, help thee symptoms immensely until the meds wear off, which they almost always do.
So maybe the Shingrix vaccine could help with the neuragia. If I contract shingles I believe that would be very detrimental to my nerve related symptoms, and I would like to avoid shingles.

On the other hand, I believe some of my illness is autoimmune, and I worry that the adjuvant might stimulate the wrong part of my immune system.

Does anyone have experience with this vaccine or any advice? Thanks in advance
Liz

 

[LaurelW]

My doctor recommended I get the Shingrix vaccine as well, so I'm wondering if anyone here has had the vaccine and how they tolerated it. I had chicken pox as a child, so am apparently at risk for shingles.

 

[determined]

On one hand, I believe much of the pain around my eyes and head is a form of post herpetic neuralgia, as my worst symptoms started after contracting HV.
So maybe the Shingrix vaccine could help with the neuragia. If I contract shingles I believe that would be very detrimental to my nerve related symptoms, and I would like to avoid shingles.

On the other hand, I believe some of my illness is autoimmune, and I worry that the adjuvant might stimulate the wrong part of my immune system.

Does anyone have experience with this vaccine or any advice? Thanks in advance
Liz[/QUOTE]
Hi Liz, I am wondering the same thing. I have been having pain around my eyes and face. Now I have shingles.