Sorry to hear that you have the shingles. I had what I consider to be a mild case of shingles last fall. Couple of breakouts on my left hip and my left thigh felt like some was probably there also but never came to the surface. Worst part was the breakout that I had on my left side where my belt rides. That one was VERY uncomfortable when I had to get dressed. Have no desire to do that again. I have never been vaccinated for them. I did have chicken pox as a child (2nd grade, I think). Not sure if all that had anything to do with it or not.