Not everyone can afford it and it is considered only 70% effective.
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If you get it, you will kick yourself for having read this thread and not scrimped up the dollars to pay for the shot. It is that important, because once you get it you will have a year of suffering to reflect on your unfortunate choice. I know the 70% figure, but I have been told that even where the vaccine does not prevent shingles, it can lessen its effects on you.
I am still trying to determine if I was ever infected with VZV. Don’t think so.
My wife, OTOH, contracted both Chickenpox AND Smallpox! as an infant in a third-world country and had a rough time with each (understatement). I want her to get the vaccine but so far, no luck.
I have experienced a similar extremely painful skin condition with forced immobilization in the bed and so forth so I can understand your position on this.