[Qem]

I tried to take it, but was refused because I'm still under the age of 50. Will try to convince a doctor to prescribe me.

[tmhn2]

I think one reason it's discouraged is that it's not completely clear how long it lasts, and getting it early may result in less protection later in life. Also it's only been tested in that age group. (At least, this is what I heard when I researched getting it early a while ago).

[robocat]

> it's not completely clear how long it lasts

This explanation assumes we won't develop a better vaccine in a decade.

Shingrix was expensive. I knew too many people with horrific Shingles.

A couple of days of very mild flu symptoms for me.

Plan to avoid mental or physical responsibilities or events for 2 days after the shot.

[EvanAnderson]

This is what my GP told me too, basically. I would really like the vaccine. I'm 48 and I feel like I'm rolling the dice...

[Qem]

> I think one reason it's discouraged is that it's not completely clear how long it lasts, and getting it early may result in less protection later in life.

Can't one just take boosters later, like, one every decade?

[Findecanor]

Ironically, I caught it just a few weeks before I turned 50.

If you do catch it, it is important that you get antiviral medication as soon as possible to avoid long-term pain afterwards. I had waited three days to see a a doctor because symptoms breaking out at the start of a weekend, and that was close.

[xingped]

You can absolutely get shingles at any time. Please keep looking to find a doctor that will listen to you. The fact that medicine holds onto this idea that it only affects old people is absurd.

[mordechai9000]

Just anecdotes, but I know two people who got it in their 40s, and one of them has some minor facial paralysis that he believes is probably permanent. I got the vaccine when I turned 50.

[reverendjames]

They won't let you until you turn 50, I tried. If you do get it before then, the doctor could get into trouble. That's what I was told.

[replwoacause]

Why would a doctor refuse to prescribe it before 50? Is there a harm to receiving it “early”?

[rippeltippel]

In countries where vaccines are paid for by the state (partially or fully) doctors won't prescribe them unless there's a statistically significant benefit across the entire population. If it's generally accepted that shingles is more common/risky over 50, guidelines will prevent doctors from offering the vaccine before that age, essentially not to "waste" public money.