Shingles...

[Grace]

Definitely get the vaccine before you turn 65 and go on Medicare. I thought I heard that they are now paying for it, but after what Pat said - maybe not.

I was past 65 when I had the vaccine, because it wasn't available earlier; fortunately my supplemental insurance is fantastic, and paid for the entire cost

[Louie and me]

Yup - I've had shingles twice too. Nasty stuff. There is a medication you can take that prevents the rash from spreading but you have to take it within 24 hours of the first symptoms. I was lucky last time because I recognized straight away what it was down my arm and wrist. It was miserable still but could have been worse. Sorry I don't remember the name of the drug. Canada hadn't approved the vaccine at that time but I think they have now.

[pomtzu]

I'm a senior but have never had shingles, but I never had chickenpox either, so that makes me safe. I seriously doubt that I'll ever get them now, since I've been exposed numerous times when both of my kids had them, and my grandkids too. I made up for not having them, by having mumps and measles - that was in the dark ages before there was vaccines against them.

[phesina]

Definitely get the vaccine before you turn 65 and go on Medicare. I thought I heard that they are now paying for it, but after what Pat said - maybe not.

I was past 65 when I had the vaccine, because it wasn't available earlier; fortunately my supplemental insurance is fantastic, and paid for the entire cost

Thanks, Gretchen. I'm 69 and did have chicken pox as a child. Maybe it was my Medicare supp. insurance that didn't pay for it. I know Medicare didn't, at least not then, a year or two ago when I first heard about it and checked into it. Maybe I should check this out again.

Pat