Question
Is it recommended for people living with HIV to get the shingles vaccine?
11 July 2022. Related: All topics, Complications and coinfections, Newly diagnosed.
I’m on Biktarvy. RITA test indicated a recent infection.
I’m 60, undetectable and fit. No other health conditions. Is it recommended for people living with HIV to get the shingles vaccine?
Answer
Hi, how are you doing?
Yes, it is recommended to have a shingles vaccine in your case. This is a recommendation by BHIVA guidelines.
You will need testing for if you are unsure if you’ve had chicken pox/shingles in the past. This is because the chicken pox vaccine would be more suitable if you have not.
If you have had shingles, the other criteria for having the shingles vaccines include:
- You are 60
- on established ART
- CD4 count is greater than 200
If this is the case, the shingles vaccine will be safe for you to have.
Josh
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