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Have Autoimmune Disease, Sjogrens' Syndrome. History Of Chicken Pox. Shot Recommended?

Posted on Sat, 14 Sep 2013

Question: I'm a 74-year- old female in good health with the exception of an autoimmune disease, Sjogrens' Syndrome.. In addition to a history of chickenpox, what other factors indicate that a preventative shot is recommended? And, what are the risks associated with the injection?

Answered by Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar (47 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Inactivated vaccines only recommended in Sjogrens

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

If I am right that you are looking to get a chicken pox vaccine?

I recommend only dead and inactivated preventive shots for any patient with immunocompromised state like that of Sjogrens. Since the chicken pox vaccine is a live virus I do not recommend this vaccine. If you are worried about shingles in the adult hood then it is better to tackle it with Acyclovir type of drugs than prevention.

I am not sure if there is an inactivated virus vaccine available in your region. Just find out with your doctor. If available you can go for it. Soreness, swelling and fever are reported.

Let me know if my views are not clear.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Aparna Kohli

Follow up: Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar (6 hours later)

Does an Inactivated vaccine exist?

Answered by Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar (32 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I have not come across

Detailed Answer:
Inactivated vaccine exist for other infections but not for chickenpox virus, at least I do not know.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Aparna Kohli