I’m 46 and really don’t want to wait until I’m 50 to get the shingles vaccine. In the U.S., you can schedule a walk-in shingles vaccine at pharmacies, but if you’re under 50 they require a prescription for it from a doctor.
I have no desire to ask my GP for this prescription . . . is there any way to get a prescription online? I noticed that “weakened immune system” is one reason they might give you the prescription, and I wonder if my rapamycin use might be excuse enough to qualify for that.
You could try push health? They usually send the prescription to an online provider, but it can be transferred.
You have a doctor you don’t want to talk to?
I have tried 3 doctors already. No luck yet. Age restrictions are often hard to bypass when the FDA and/or an Rx is involved. I had the same problem when I wanted to order the Galleri blood test.
Some things are easy to access (self paying for PSA test if you are below the recommended age) but others like Shingrix (which require an Rx) are more difficult. Similar to PCSK9 inhibitors Shingrix also has refrigeration requirements which make importing it impractical.
The clearest solution I see (aside from waiting until you are 50) is to travel to another country where it is more widely available (twice since there are two shots). Unfortunately this is also an expensive and inconvenient solution.
Another workaround for adults in the US less than 50 but born well before 1995 when Chickenpox (Varicella) Vaccine was approved for those 1+ year old would be to get a varicella vaccine now as an adult. Most people born born before the varicella vaccine was available had chickenpox. While shingles is still possible after getting a varicella vaccine, it is less likely compared to those who had chickenpox but not the varicella vaccine.