I have a rule I never buy an automobile unless that make/model has been on the market for a while and has a proven dependability and quality record. I use that same rule with vaccines...especially this one...none for me thanks.
Having said that, I acquired a case of shingles last fall. Took 6 months to get over completely. Anybody that hasn’t had the pleasure I can assure you its an overrated experience.
To that end I would recommend anyone 50 years old (younger even) to get the shingles vaccine. Very safe and 97% effective. I promise you a couple of injections are better that having shingles...like having the flu and a bad sunburn all at the same time.
Bad juju.
I had shingles about five years. Thorasic nerve 10 or T-q10.
Painful stuff. At the time the doctor said not to do the vaccine. Some doctors say it is great while others say it is worse than the disease.
So I never got one. Of course I have never had a flu shot either nor will I. Screw em.
I have the same rule about automobiles - I had a ‘99 Grand Prix with a Buick 3.8 L engine that was introduced in 1962, and I guarantee that all of the bugs were worked out of it. It lasted 150K miles, and I got rid of it in late 2015 only because I was tired of it. Replaced it with a 2015 Impala, with the 2005-introduced Chevy V-6 that was probably put into 10 million cars before mine was made. So far, not one single problem (and the damned thing is faster than my ‘69 GTO!!).
I remember the late ‘70s Swine Flu vaccine and the problems that it caused...and I’ve determined that, just like my cars, I’ll let a few million or tens of millions be guinea pigs before I take it.
That said, I’m 59 and I got the Shingles vaccine (both shots) last year. A good friend’s father had it many years ago, and this very stoic and disciplined man literally cried for weeks from the pain. No thanks...but note that this particular vaccine is well-tested.