Hi Mike,

Sorry to hear that you have shingles and I do understand your relief in finding out what it is.

The vaccine that has been out for about one year is made by Merck and it is called Zostavax. There are some critical criteria for getting the vaccine and as far as I remember they are:

1. you must be at least 60 years of age
2. you have to have had a case of chicken pox already
3. you cannot have had shingles
4. you cannot be immuno-compromised

According to my sources, there are some doctors giving the vaccine "off label" to some people that are under 60. For now 60 has been set as the minimum age because everyone in the original study was 60 or over. I believe the other three requirements leave no room for interpretation.

I am planning to get the vaccine since I meet all the criteria, but am waiting until my youngest grandchild gets his chickenpox vaccination next month. This is a live virus.

I have done a great deal of research on this vaccine as one of my partners in my practice has had neuropathy for about 2 years from his bout with shingles. He has multiple myeloma and has been on chemo for 5 years and is always immuno-compromised.

I am not telling you this to frighten you, but I think that everyone should know that the pain does not always go away quickly, although it is rare to last as long as his has.

If anyone meets the criteria, it is a great idea to get vaccinated.

Good luck.

Jerry