The information I've been able to find, indicates the vaccine is not only safe but recommended for patients with advanced liver disease, including cirrhosis. it also recommends getting them as early in the process as possible. It seems like our GI specialists might be a bit more proactive in assuring this gets done.
Some won't take the Shingles vaccine here in the States because of cost. Some, but not many insurance carriers will pay for it. The value of the vaccine, if you get Shingles is high, but a $250 vaccine for some, especially those on fixed incomes and Medicare/Medicaid, is unobtainable.
Here's one article that recommends vaccination in general:
"For starters, patients with chronic liver disease should receive any immunization that is recommended for a healthy individual of their age. For example, adults should have either a tetanus and diphtheria booster or a tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis booster every 10 years, most people should be vaccinated against influenza on a yearly basis, and all people 60 years of age and older should receive a Zoster (shingles) vaccine."
Thanks Tig. Along the same line, does anyone have any opinions as to the Shingles vaccine when you have cirrhosis?
Tig said
Feb 6, 2015
Thanks Rubye! Excellent find on that article!
Tig
Rubye said
Feb 6, 2015
The way my doctor put it to me is that you don't want to get Hep A or Hep B on top of the Hep C because it could seriously jeopardize your liver. I also got the DPT and Pneumonia vaccine at the same time. It's a good idea to get these. However, I didn't get the Shingles vaccine because I heard they inject a live virus and it's not a good idea with cirrhosis. Not at all sure about that though and am going to discuss it with my doctor next visit.
Here's a really good article about vaccinations for people with Heptitis C:
It's very common and routine to recieve the recommendation for these two vaccines. Many of us have done this. I suggest you follow the advice of your liver specialist. Neither the HAV or HBV vaccines will affect your HCV viral load. My opinion is that your previous jump in HCV viral load following the incomplete HBV vaccination was a coincidence. The HCV viral load is constantly changing (pre treatment) and is likely the reason that occurred. Trust your physician on this is my opinion. I'm glad you're here with us and hope you keep us informed of your progress!
Tig
marinescu1 said
Feb 5, 2015
I need help, my GI doctor push me to have hep A & hep B vaccine. Few years ago I agree to receive only one shot of hep B vaccine and my VL jump from 500.000 to 6.000.000. Please advise if is OK to do the vaccine.
Hi Rubye,
The information I've been able to find, indicates the vaccine is not only safe but recommended for patients with advanced liver disease, including cirrhosis. it also recommends getting them as early in the process as possible. It seems like our GI specialists might be a bit more proactive in assuring this gets done.
Some won't take the Shingles vaccine here in the States because of cost. Some, but not many insurance carriers will pay for it. The value of the vaccine, if you get Shingles is high, but a $250 vaccine for some, especially those on fixed incomes and Medicare/Medicaid, is unobtainable.
Here's one article that recommends vaccination in general:
"For starters, patients with chronic liver disease should receive any immunization that is recommended for a healthy individual of their age. For example, adults should have either a tetanus and diphtheria booster or a tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis booster every 10 years, most people should be vaccinated against influenza on a yearly basis, and all people 60 years of age and older should receive a Zoster (shingles) vaccine."
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3317510/
Tig
Thanks Tig. Along the same line, does anyone have any opinions as to the Shingles vaccine when you have cirrhosis?
Thanks Rubye! Excellent find on that article!
Tig
The way my doctor put it to me is that you don't want to get Hep A or Hep B on top of the Hep C because it could seriously jeopardize your liver. I also got the DPT and Pneumonia vaccine at the same time. It's a good idea to get these. However, I didn't get the Shingles vaccine because I heard they inject a live virus and it's not a good idea with cirrhosis. Not at all sure about that though and am going to discuss it with my doctor next visit.
Here's a really good article about vaccinations for people with Heptitis C:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3317510/
Hi Cornelia,
It's very common and routine to recieve the recommendation for these two vaccines. Many of us have done this. I suggest you follow the advice of your liver specialist. Neither the HAV or HBV vaccines will affect your HCV viral load. My opinion is that your previous jump in HCV viral load following the incomplete HBV vaccination was a coincidence. The HCV viral load is constantly changing (pre treatment) and is likely the reason that occurred. Trust your physician on this is my opinion. I'm glad you're here with us and hope you keep us informed of your progress!
Tig
I need help, my GI doctor push me to have hep A & hep B vaccine. Few years ago I agree to receive only one shot of hep B vaccine and my VL jump from 500.000 to 6.000.000. Please advise if is OK to do the vaccine.
Thank you for your help.
Cornelia