I know several people who've had Shingles -- some had really intense cases, while others were "fortunate" enough to only be mildly affected, but ALL agreed that it's a miserable experience. I even know a couple 20-somethings who've been struck by Shingles. It seems to me that it's a disease on the upswing.
I just recently had the shot, even though I'm not "old enough". I figure it's smart for several reasons:
- I did have to pay out of pocket for my shot, but if I were to get Shingles, I'd pay a good bit more in medications and missed work.
- I did feel somewhat sick after taking the shot, but I chose the timing. If I were to get Shingles, I'd have no control over when it hit me -- and it would certainly happen just before a vacation or when I had other important plans.
- Once being sick from the shot is over, it's done. On the other hand, you can get Shingles multiple times.
- I forget the percentages, but it was something huge -- was it maybe 1 out of 5 people over a certain age? Whatever the number, it seemed quite daunting to me.
- You know you can get Shingles in your ears, your nose, your mouth? I'm not sure about your eyes. That thought is enough to send me running for the vaccine.
- The shot is totally worth the peace of mind. Shingles is one thing I can cross off my list of concerns. I never have to have another Shingles shot -- unless they create a better version.
For anyone who's planning to have the shots, here's a bit of information: I told my doctor at a regular check-up that I wanted to have the shot. They do not keep it "on hand". Rather, he "ordered it to the pharmacy". I had to wait a couple days for it to come in, then the pharmacist gave me the first shot. They kept the second half of the vaccine in the refrigerator with my name on it, and I had to return two months later to repeat the process.