Ill be the first to post not getting the shingles shot, or any shot for that matter since Ive had AF, seeing that AF started right after my last flu shot 5 years ago. Cardio insisted I get Flu and shingle shots. I insisted he stick to heart issues and leave the immunology issues up to others more qualified.

I had my Shingles shot before afib. But, I have gotten a flu shot for the past 4 yrs. with afib, and no problem..

Yes, I got the shingles shot without a problem, also get a flu shot every year. I can't see why there would be any connection with afib. I think getting the flu or a nasty case of shingles much more worrisome.

Well, complex systems sometimes behave in mysterious ways!
I forgot how I initially ran across the following piece, but it kind of resembles how my days go sometimes when I'm working. Needless to say, it makes one rather cautious.

http://web.mit.edu/2.75/resources/random/How%20Complex%20Systems%20Fail.pdf

I got a shingles shot after I was diagnosed with afib. I also get a flu shot every year. My sister-in-law had shingles and was in misery for six or seven months and that's when I decided I needed to get it.

I have thought about it because my son got shingles and he was miserable, however every time I have gotten a flu shot afib always follows so will not get a flu shot ever again, since I am now retired I think I will take my chances and not get a shingles shot either. Like you said, not wanting to upset the apple cart.

I was planning to get the shingles shot and sorry I didn't. I got shingles. It's no fun! Fortunately I got it treated immediately and had a mild case.
My PCP said I should get a shot for future prevention. My dermatologist says it's not necessary?
Re: the flu shot. I have hip replacements. I had pain walking for some time after a flu shot 2 years ago. Maybe it was just a coincidence. Currently I skip the flu shot. Apparently this year it's not too effective anyway.
I've had no AF reaction for either shot.

Getting the shingles shot is not a 100% guarantee that you won't get the shingles. But after working with and knowing several people who have had the shingles, I decided to get the vaccine and hope to skip that misery. I got the shot after I was diagnosed with afib and had no side effects and no problems. (I also get the flu shot every year and believe it affords me some protection-again no side effects, no prob). I would be concerned abt afib occurring if I got the shingles and had to experience the pain, inflammation, new meds, and stress.

I guess it is about weighing the risks of the shot vs the illness....

For me at least, the risk of upsetting the apple cart and triggering afib seems much greater if I get sick with shingles or flu.
BTW...many people think the flu shot is for stomach flu type illneses. Influenza is a respiratory illness with a cough, body aches, and a fever. It can be really miserable, and sometimes deadly.

I had a shingles shot after my Afib diagnosis, and I get a yearly flu shot. So far so good -- no problems. I did get the flu (or at least a flu-like illness) this year and worried the whole time about Afib. Luckily I made it through without an episode.

First of all, shingles tho painful and annoying is curable without meds. Secondly, the vaccine does not work, technically.
Shingles starts in the spine. A good Chiro can adjust you to be rid of them in days. For supplements, Lysine 2000mg and 6000mg of Vit C, and applying tea tree oil works great. Theres also many foods that provoke it. Peanuts #1, tomatoes, wheat and sugar are a few.
The vaccine. Shingles is related to herpes. The vaccine has a whopping .26%, yes, less than 1. success rate. In one study, 3.3% on placebos vs 1.7% with the shot, got shingles.
So why the push by the PCPs for a .26% success rate? Cost per shot $219.

I recently just dealt with shingles, funny you said spine as mine was lower spine and tail bone. I thought it was a few boils so used hot packs. By the time I went to Dr. too late foe antiviral. Bothered me foe a week, itched slightly longer.

Can't say it was a bad case and when I heard it was related to herpes treated it like the herpes virus. It had no affect on afib. Thought about shot and decided against, as the thought of live virus just not acceptable yo me.

Now if it was a bad case and close to the eyes I may mthink differently. It is the only shot I ever considered.

Hwkmn, sources for your claims?

http://www.vaccinationcouncil.org/2010/08/10/shingles-vaccine-think-again/

Thanks Hwhmn, that article certainly gives one pause.