Shingles

[gosamgo]

A friend of ours recently contacted Herpes Zoster here in Pattaya and had to return home to the UK.

When he described how painful it was and the fact that in England those who are 71 and 75 have access to a free Vaccine, we set out to find out if there is anywhere in Pattaya or Bangkok where one can go and pay to be immunized.

So far we have had no luck and wonder if anyone has any information where this might be obtained, as we have tried 3 or 4 hospitals locally here in Pattaya with no luck.

We don't mind going to Bangkok and cost is not an issue!

Many thanks.

[Sheryl]

Last I heard it was not yet available in Thailand...a shame as it is very well worth getting. I got mine while back in the US last summer.

[Langsuan Man]

To be perfectly honest with you , after having experienced the pain of Shingles , I would spend the money to go to Singapore just to get a vaccine that would protect you from it

But like Sheryl, I was able to get it in the US when it first came out

[gosamgo]

To be perfectly honest with you , after having experienced the pain of Shingles , I would spend the money to go to Singapore just to get a vaccine that would protect you from it

But like Sheryl, I was able to get it in the US when it first came out

Thank you both.

We haven't given up hope yet, but all things considered, I think your suggestion about going to Singapore is a good one.

And might very well happen yet!

Do you happen to know a hospital there?

The problem I am told, is that it's a live virus which has to mixed or made (I'm not sure which) prior to injection.

Once again, thank you both for replying and please keep the replies coming in.

[Red Snake]

I asked my doctor at Bumrungard and he also told me not available in Thailand.

[Tolley]

My father got shingles two months ago at age 87.

Very nasty.

He has a morphine patch to deal with the pain.

He still hasn't recovered and spends most of his time sleeping.

[Langsuan Man]

Just to clarify and thanks to Google, the Shingles vaccine is available in Singapore

http://www.ttsh.com.sg/patient-guide/medical-departments/page.aspx?id=3367

[lgking]

I too got my immunization abroad recently. However, It seems that it may be only good for 5 years or so. They are not sure, as the drug is too new and has not had enough time to be tested for long-term results. As well, it works on some people better than others and is not a 100% guarantee.

[Langsuan Man]

I too got my immunization abroad recently. However, It seems that it may be only good for 5 years or so. They are not sure, as the drug is too new and has not had enough time to be tested for long-term results. As well, it works on some people better than others and is not a 100% guarantee.

I don't know who " they " are but both my pharmacist and GP in the US said that the Shingle immunization was a one time shot (no pun intended)

And it appears that the CDC (Center for Disease Control ) agrees with them:

source: http://www.cdc.gov/Vaccines/vpd-vac/shingles/default.htm

[gosamgo]

Just to let you know the search continues!

Initially, we got a very positive response from Bumrungrad International Hospital,

but sad to say it was followed up by the undermentioned email.

Greetings from Pharmacy department, Bumrungrad International.
According to your enquiry, we are sorry to inform you that Shingles vaccine is not available in our hospital.
We apologize for your inconvenience.

[Sheryl]

It is not yet licensed for use in Thailand.

I don't know if the manufacturer has applied for a Thai license or not. Sometimes they don't, if they do not think sales will be high.

[lopburi3]

From my understanding when checking about a year ago the demand far outstrips the supply so maybe that is a factor - many places in US were unable to obtain even when the recommended age group was less and believe that has expanded putting more pressure on supply - there is a reason it is still expensive. Not sure if that is still the case or not - but the price alone might make Thailand low on the priority list for expected local demand if they are not aware of the medical hub it has become.

[Choonpon]

A friend of ours recently contacted Herpes Zoster here in Pattaya and had to return home to the UK.

When he described how painful it was and the fact that in England those who are 71 and 75 have access to a free Vaccine, we set out to find out if there is anywhere in Pattaya or Bangkok where one can go and pay to be immunized.

So far we have had no luck and wonder if anyone has any information where this might be obtained, as we have tried 3 or 4 hospitals locally here in Pattaya with no luck.

We don't mind going to Bangkok and cost is not an issue!

Many thanks.

How about flying to Singapore to get vaccination? Medical facilities here is top notch.

Gleneagles hospital, Mount Elizabeth hospital, etc.

Edited February 6, 2014 by Choonpon

[lgking]

Thank you Langsuan Man for your info.

I was verbally told this by ('they') the health practitioner who administered my vaccination at the San Francisco Department of Public Health. She said that the current opinion (06/2013) of her medical peer group was that it was just 'too new' of a vaccine to be sure of it's long-term effects.

A one-time inoculation obviously would be more convenient.

Edited February 6, 2014 by lgking

[gosamgo]

My father got shingles two months ago at age 87.

Very nasty.

He has a morphine patch to deal with the pain.

He still hasn't recovered and spends most of his time sleeping.

I am moved to respond to Platinum Members account of their father’s situation. I too, am at present, still suffering the pain and gross discomfort of my initial attack of Herpes Zoster, more than six months ago. I hope expressing my experience here might be of help. My Doctor in the UK tells me it could take many years yet before my infection runs its course. Initially, I was put on several different kinds of tablets that frankly, just didn't work. A different GP recommended Gabapentin Capsules and they work for me still, just fine. Gabapentin belongs to a group of medicines used to treat Epilepsy and peripheral neuropathic pain (long lasting pain caused by damage to the nerves) which I believe the latter applies to my condition. Finally, if you've never experienced Herpes/Zoster/Shingles, I urge you to make it your business to seek out the Vaccine at whatever the cost or inconvenience, whilst you still have time.

[gosamgo]

A friend of ours recently contacted Herpes Zoster here in Pattaya and had to return home to the UK.

When he described how painful it was and the fact that in England those who are 71 and 75 have access to a free Vaccine, we set out to find out if there is anywhere in Pattaya or Bangkok where one can go and pay to be immunized.

So far we have had no luck and wonder if anyone has any information where this might be obtained, as we have tried 3 or 4 hospitals locally here in Pattaya with no luck.

We don't mind going to Bangkok and cost is not an issue!

Many thanks.

How about flying to Singapore to get vaccination? Medical facilities here is top notch.

Gleneagles hospital, Mount Elizabeth hospital, etc.

Thanks Choonpon.

We've more or less come to the same conclusion that Singapore would be the most likely destination from Thailand.

[lopburi3]

My father got shingles two months ago at age 87.

Very nasty.

He has a morphine patch to deal with the pain.

He still hasn't recovered and spends most of his time sleeping.

I am moved to respond to Platinum Members account of their father’s situation. I too, am at present, still suffering the pain and gross discomfort of my initial attack of Herpes Zoster, more than six months ago. I hope expressing my experience here might be of help. My Doctor in the UK tells me it could take many years yet before my infection runs its course. Initially, I was put on several different kinds of tablets that frankly, just didn't work. A different GP recommended Gabapentin Capsules and they work for me still, just fine. Gabapentin belongs to a group of medicines used to treat Epilepsy and peripheral neuropathic pain (long lasting pain caused by damage to the nerves) which I believe the latter applies to my condition. Finally, if you've never experienced Herpes/Zoster/Shingles, I urge you to make it your business to seek out the Vaccine at whatever the cost or inconvenience, whilst you still have time.

Be aware that this medication, Gabapentin (Neurontin), has side effects for many people and some are serious. It is also a reduction process to stop after long term usage.

[gosamgo]

My father got shingles two months ago at age 87.

Very nasty.

He has a morphine patch to deal with the pain.

He still hasn't recovered and spends most of his time sleeping.

I am moved to respond to Platinum Members account of their father’s situation. I too, am at present, still suffering the pain and gross discomfort of my initial attack of Herpes Zoster, more than six months ago. I hope expressing my experience here might be of help. My Doctor in the UK tells me it could take many years yet before my infection runs its course. Initially, I was put on several different kinds of tablets that frankly, just didn't work. A different GP recommended Gabapentin Capsules and they work for me still, just fine. Gabapentin belongs to a group of medicines used to treat Epilepsy and peripheral neuropathic pain (long lasting pain caused by damage to the nerves) which I believe the latter applies to my condition. Finally, if you've never experienced Herpes/Zoster/Shingles, I urge you to make it your business to seek out the Vaccine at whatever the cost or inconvenience, whilst you still have time.

Be aware that this medication, Gabapentin (Neurontin), has side effects for many people and some are serious. It is also a reduction process to stop after long term usage.

I agree the side effects mentioned in the Gabapentin leaflet (revised 2012) are many and varied! As most medicines have side effects, obviously one would be guided by a GP, as was the case with me. That's all I'm saying, 'this works for me'. I take your point about it being a reduction process, that's useful to know and understand.

You mention (Neurontin) in brackets and try as I may, I cannot find any mention of the word, either on the leaflet within the box or on the box itself. Perhaps you could enlighten me? Thanks.

[Issangeorge]

I had a mild case of shingles about 11 years ago. Does anyone know if that would build up an immunity for it as chickenpox does when you catch it?

Sent from my i-mobile IQ X using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Sheryl]

Sorry to tell you this, but it is possible to get it again.

Vaccination is still indicated if you can get it

http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/shingles/vacc-need-know.htm

[gosamgo]

I had a mild case of shingles about 11 years ago. Does anyone know if that would build up an immunity for it as chickenpox does when you catch it?

Sent from my i-mobile IQ X using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

I have been reliabley informed that you can, but its not nearly as painful as the first time!

[Langsuan Man]

Sorry to tell you this, but it is possible to get it again.

Vaccination is still indicated if you can get it

http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/shingles/vacc-need-know.htm

The good news is that you will immediately, and I mean immediately, recognize the symptoms so you can get early treatment and thus minimize the nerve damage that Shingles can cause. Early treatment with Antiviral drugs, such as acyclovir can go a long way in preventing or minimizing the postherpetic neuralgia pain that the Shingles virus can cause

[lopburi3]

You mention (Neurontin) in brackets and try as I may, I cannot find any mention of the word, either on the leaflet within the box or on the box itself. Perhaps you could enlighten me? Thanks.

Gabapentin is best known under the brand name Neurontin manufactured by Pfizer subsidiary Parke-Davis. A Pfizer subsidiary named Greenstone markets generic gabapentin.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gabapentin

It is sold under the brand name Neurontin here in Thailand by local drug stores.

[Issangeorge]

The time I had it, I received early treatment and I think that perhaps that's why it was a mild case.

Sent from my i-mobile IQ X using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[gosamgo]

You mention (Neurontin) in brackets and try as I may, I cannot find any mention of the word, either on the leaflet within the box or on the box itself. Perhaps you could enlighten me? Thanks.

Gabapentin is best known under the brand name Neurontin manufactured by Pfizer subsidiary Parke-Davis. A Pfizer subsidiary named Greenstone markets generic gabapentin.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gabapentin

It is sold under the brand name Neurontin here in Thailand by local drug stores.

Thanks you Lopburi3. The information is well received and much appreciated.