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I got a shingles vaccine, and the doctor advised me to take Acyclovir. Is this a standard practice?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Just to be safe, I got shingles vaccine from a local clinic, as my healthcare provider was out. I had to get two shots. They advised me to get a prescription for Acyclovir, a herpes suppression medication, after getting the shot. I did so. Now I am genuinely confused about why they had me do this. Was it not the purpose of the vaccine to prevent getting shingles? Is this a standard practice for after a shingles vaccination? I currently take Bupropion.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Conveniently Acyclovir after shingles vaccine is not used in the average-risk population. Do you have a compromising immune condition? Like HIV (human immunodeficiency viruses), cancer, or other inborn diseases?

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for your reply.

My husband does have herpes, but he takes a daily suppression medication. I told them that it seemed like overkill to ask me to take the Acyclovir for five days. I was highly suspicious, so that is why I submitted this query.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Acyclovir can be used for a flare of herpes or shingles and as a prevention for these conditions. I understand that you do not have any immune-suppressing condition. You can always keep it and use it if you feel like you are about to have herpes or shingles after appropriate consultation with your physician.

Take care.

Medically reviewed byDr. Preetha. J

Published At October 13, 2020
Reviewed AtOctober 13, 2020

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