France in Focus

Shingles can be pretty painful and debilitating. It is zona in French. A vaccine only used to be available in hospitals but it is now available via pharmacies. It is covered by CPAM but you will need to ask your MT. It needs two injections two months apart. I had my first today.

I’m so sorry for you and sending you best wishes for a speedy recovery.

My husband has had shingles, also one of our sons and the headteacher at a school I taught at a long time ago had shingles near his eye - so very painful.

My husband and I have both had shingles injections, a few years ago. According to the NHS it’s
recommended for adults turning 65, those aged 70 to 79 and those aged 50 and over with a severely weakened immune system. GP surgeries usually send invitations to have the vaccination by phone, text, email or letter.

Both my parents had shingles and suffered. I had it very mildly when I was about 12 - I'd already had chickenpox.
The vaccination is something I keep meaning to ask my MT for but forget every time. Thanks for the reminder !
All the best for a speedy recovery Rabbit.

Thanks for your wishes but I don’t have shingles - only the vaccine !

That's great !

Well, that’s good news!

No-one else singing the title to Shakin' Stevens "Ain't got time to fix the windows"?! Uh oh, earworm alert!

There are a couple of people in this area who a reputed to be able to relieve the symptoms of Zona by the laying on of hands. It’s all very mysterious and they won’t accept payment for doing it. It seems to work for people but who knows how!
I talked to my MT a few months back and he agreed I should have the jabs but they weren’t available at the time. After my imminent ‘contrôles’ I’ll go back and discuss it with him again.