COPD & Emphysema Support Group

I also use inhaled steroids & my doc had me get the shingles shot.
Possibly the steroids taken by IV, shot or pill form, on a daily basis are the type of steroids being referred to in NOT getting a shingles vac.

As always...check with your medical provider. :)

My Dad turned 90 today. He doesn't remember anybody. He was very active & sharp minded before those shingles. I'm very sad, to say the least:>(

The things I stay on top of are my pneumonia and flu shots. I think they are very important and in the end, can at least prevent us from getting some (though not all) flu's and pneumonias.

When it comes to shingles, I had a mild case once - I hate to think if it had been severe, for it was terrible. My doctor told me a week ago that it may help prevent getting the shingles but it's not a guarantee as shingles is caused by a virus. I was also told having had the shingles once does not mean you cannot get it again. I encourage everyone to get the vaccine. In our town, Walgreen's gives them at a cost of $60. Medicare does not cover it.

Deb, that's very sad about your father.

My pulmomologist says/insists that I have to have one every year because of my age, post 65! Which I've done for the past five years. The not so funny thing about this is that I've had pneumonia six rimes since 2010!

The caveat: The shot prevents, or lessens the duration of, pneumonias caused by viruses. Unfortunately for me, the pneumonias I've experienced have been caused by aspiration of food or liquids into my lungs. This has resulted in a very serious MRSA infection,