Resolved question:
My question is about shingles vaccine and possible risks for a person who has neuropathy.
I'm a 71 year old male, physically and mentally active, and living a healthy lifestyle. I work full time at home as a self-employed writer and virtual world builder. I hike, run trails, mountain bike, and dance in traditional Native American ceremonies.
My doctor has advised against getting the shingles vaccine because he's concerned (as I understand it) about neurological risks arising from the peripheral neuropathy in both my feet. I've had neuropathy for 13 years. What is the neurological risk of the shingles vaccine for me? Is it greater than the risk of not getting the vaccine?
I'm not looking for a simple yes or no about my doctor's advice, unless his advice not to get the vaccine is unambiguously the correct advice. If there is any uncertainty about it, I would appreciate it if you would give me links to reliable web pages or other sources where I can do the research to make up my own mind about whether or not to get the shingles vaccine. I definitely don't want to suffer from shingles, but I also don't want my neuropathy to worsen or to trigger any other neurological issues.
Medical conditions:
- Mild macular degeneration in one eye
- Taking 6mg Terazosin daily for prostate issues
- Using Flonase for mild allergies
- Peripheral neuropathy in my feet (taking 1200mg Alpha-Lipoic Acid daily for it)
- Arteriosclerosis (taking 10mg of Simvasatin for it, but have temporarily paused taking it)
Blood pressure: typically 122/78, pulse 58
Total Cholesterol: 110
Triglycerides: 94
HDL: 43
LDL: 48
Glucose Fasting: 92
PSA: 1.9
Thank you,
Erik Bainbridge
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
Family Physician-GP
Hi,
Thank you for posting your query at DoctorSpring.com
I have noted the details. In my opinion, you should take the shingles vaccine.
There is no evidence in the literature that suggests that people with pre-existing peripheral neuropathy should avoid shingles vaccine. Also, there is no literature to support the view that peripheral neuropathy could worsen after shingles vaccine.
Best wishes,
Dr. Sudhir Kumar MD (Medicine), DM (Neurology)
Senior Consultant Neurologist