Herpes Zoster Question

[BettyBetty03]

Dr Keyes:  I'm a 74 year old female who had a bout of Herpes Zoster in April of 2007 which lasted about 3 months or more.  Was put on Valtrex for about 10 days and recovered.  My question is, would it be ok for me to receive the new vacine for shingles???  My primary care doctor advised me not to receive the vaccine since I already had the shingles, but I have read and heard from others that I should get the vaccine because it could return.  I hope you can advise me concerning this problem.  

[chames]

Hello, Betty,

I'm doing a search about the shingles vaccine and came upon your posts to doctors. (I'm just another reader -- not a doctor).

Did you ever hear back online? Did you ever get the vaccine?

I'm curious because my husband (age 65) did get the vaccine in Feb. of this year -- 2009 -- and had very adverse reaction (disabling) reaction to it, from which he is still recovering.

If you did decide to have it, I hope it went okay for you. If you did or didn't, and if you did, how it went -- that would be of interest to me. I'm trying to figure out how common or uncommon my husband's reaction might be.

If you see this and respond, thank you.

Chames

[BettyBetty03]

Hello Dr  Keyes:  I posted a question back on Oct 18 concerning herpes zoster question.  My question is, I had a bout of herpes zoster back in April  of 2007. Was put on Valtrex and was recovered due to being diagnosed within the 72 hour period.  Would I be a good candidate for the new herpes zoster vaccine?  My primary care doctor suggested that I not get the vaccine but I am a little leary about a recurring bout.  I thank you in advance for your answer.  

[BettyBetty03]

In April of 2007, I was diagnosed with Herpes Zoster (shingles).  Was prescribed Valtrex for about 10 days.  All this was taken cared of any shingles eliminated.  My question is, would I be a good candidate to have the new vaccine for SHINGLES to prevent it happening again????   I am 74 year old female.  
Also, doctor, for the past month or so I have been feeling a slight pain on my right side below my rib cage.  This pain is not too severe, but it is just an uncomfortable feeling.  I have had bouts with I.B.S. causiing loose stools and diarrhea.