Zoster vaccine, recombinant and Body Aches: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Tob...
• September 3, 2018

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "This is an update to my post from yesterday, where I had just gotten my 2nd dose of the Shingrix vaccine. I am very, very ill. The joint pain, body aches, fever, chills, severe arm pain all kicked in pretty swiftly. I also have diarrhea. My intestines are making crazy noises. My neck hurts so bad that I can't hold my head up. I tried 800 mg prescription-strength ibuprofen. It didn't work. I tried a long hot shower. It worked while I was under the water, but once I got out, the joint pain returned. I tried a heated percussion massager all over my body. It didn't work. All I can say is be prepared for significant adverse side effects for both the first and second doses of this vaccine. Like another post, I am left wondering what we will find out about this vaccine years down the road."

• Hea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 26, 2020

"Took the first dose last fall, and other than localized pain at the injection site, no real issues. Received the second dose yesterday morning. Other localized pain, all was well until about 8 hours after the shot. Then flu-like symptoms immediately set in: fever, chills, body aches, and fatigue... 24 hours later, not much improvement."

• Pat...
• February 8, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "53-year-old teacher. I missed 40 days of work from Labor Day through November because of shingles. I had my first dose of Shingrix shortly after returning to work in November. My arm was extremely sore for about a week, and I ended up missing two more workdays due to flu-like symptoms after the injection. I had a fever (about 101) even though I took Advil, and flu-like symptoms that woke me up the first night. Bad shivers, body aches, headache...... I just had my second shot yesterday. I was hoping for a less severe reaction, but was prepared this time and did it on a Friday in case I needed the weekend to recover. I'm glad I did. Last night was rough, and my symptoms are the same as the first time. Plan ahead if you are considering this. If it turns out to be less of a problem for you, great! If it is bad, however, you will need downtime for recuperation."

• she...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 15, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Just had the second dose yesterday. I remember feeling bad after the first dose, but this time it is worse. Fever, chills, achy, tired, headache - had to leave work and came home and slept for hours. I know it's a great vaccine and very effective, so glad I got it, but I think they should be more upfront with the possible severe reactions."

• Vel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 22, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "First injection wasn't too bad. Had a very sore arm for a week and had some minor chills the first night, but no biggie. Second injection 5 months later, holy cow. Had full-on flu symptoms for two days (huge headache, chills, cramps, body aches, fatigue) plus the very sore and red arm. A week later the flu symptoms are gone, but I'm still really fatigued and can barely keep my eyes open by afternoon. Not sure if the second injection is 'stronger' or I just had a different reaction. GOOD LUCK TO YOU :)"

• MPa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 14, 2020

"Got my 1st Shingrix shot at 3 p.m. yesterday. Pharmacist warned of headache and shoulder pain, but this thing has taken me down. Woke this morning with a fever of 99.9, body aches, chills, and overall flat on my back. Cannot rally to get out of bed. Praying this is as bad as it gets. Arm is mildly sore. I am going to drink lots of water."

• Est...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 29, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "My wife and I both had this injection yesterday. Some 8-10 hours in, she is shivering, body aches, and has an upset stomach. My head was literally spinning as I tried to walk to the bathroom last night. I thought for sure I was going to pass out. Fatigue is horrible this morning for me. My wife still can’t move about since her head hurts and body aches. I came here looking to see if it is safe to take Ibuprofen or Advil while suffering (it is) and found the many negative reviews. I do know that everyone has different body chemistry and is affected in different ways. Just thought to add my ‘two cents’ to the conversation. She is definitely suffering more than me, but there are 40+ pounds between us, which I also believe plays a role here. We’ll have to see how this plays out over the next couple of days and decide if it’s worth the second shot. She has had shingles before, but right at this moment, she might be willing to take her chances. Only time will tell."

• Ema...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 19, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I am an unusual case. I am 32 years old and now have had shingles twice. First in my twenties and then last year. The second time I had shingles was the worst. It went across my chest, armpit to back. I never want to have that again! Since I have had it twice, my doctor recommended the vaccine. I had done some research on it and knew ahead of time it was a rough vaccine. First day, 7 hours later, the symptoms started. Headache, body aches, very painful arm, couldn’t sleep. I am now on the second day, and ibuprofen and acetaminophen rotation is the only thing making it possible to go to work. Still extremely miserable. Despite all of this, I still highly recommend getting the vaccine. Having shingles was definitely worse and longer lasting. My only advice is planning to do nothing for a couple of days post-vaccine. I wish I had planned for misery and downtime."

• Deb...
• October 18, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I am a 65-year-old woman and had the Shingrix vaccine Tuesday. I had the Zoster vaccine in Dec. 2015 and had no side effects. My arm was very sore. A bit further down my arm was a big welt, looked like a big mosquito bite and started itching. Then further down my arm was another spot that was big and red. I kept itching, so I took some Benadryl. Then I woke in the middle of the night with a headache, so I took 2 Extra Strength Tylenol and went back to sleep exhausted. Had to take more Benadryl all day. I felt very flu-like, achy, joints hurt. Exhausted. Then the 3rd day, I woke in the middle of the night with throbbing hip pain, had to put some Biofreeze gel on, and when I woke, the pain was gone but came back early in the day and was very sore all day. Then by afternoon, diarrhea started, lasted all day, I’m exhausted, very flu-like. I am not sure if I’ll get the 2nd dose. I have Fibromyalgia and have enough pain in my joints. If I had it to do over again, I would not get it."

• EBa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 19, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Received 1st Shingrix shot, and within 30 minutes the left side of my face, arm/hand felt numb and painful to touch at the same time. That night, fever, chills, fatigue, nausea, chest pains, and body aches started. 5 days later, still having all the exact same issues, feel like I have the flu x2 (this is way worse than the flu pain). New issue started day 5, very painful red raised patches started on my left side (arm, waist). Went to my doctor on day 5, and she told me it looked like the start of shingles, she gave me some meds to see if it would help (starting those today, day 5). My doctor told me to let the pharmacist who gave it to me know I had a reaction so they could report it, but I was only met with rudeness at the pharmacy, saying it was impossible to get those symptoms from the vaccine... so I reported it to vaers.hhs.gov. NOT getting the 2nd shot."

• CTS...
• August 3, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Got the 1st shot at a Costco in May. Stupidly got it in the arm with my dominant hand. First 12 hours not too bad, but by the end of day 1, my whole arm hurt like anything. The next day, I had a large red area on my arm and began to have flu-like symptoms. By the end of day 2, I was feverish, cold, achy, and tired. Reminiscent of going through chemo from cancer. No energy; spent the night in bed. Took Advil, which helped the pain a little, but I woke up several times that night with aches, sweats, and chills. By the next morning, I felt slightly better. Felt feverish and achy again by the end of day 3, and my arm got more painful. A 4” red area around the injection site 3 days after; hard and hot to the touch. By day 4, side effects began to subside. I think it’s worth it if it prevents me from getting shingles; just wish I had known about the side effects before I got the injection. I’m concerned for anyone who is elderly or has a compromised immune system. The fever and pain may be too much for them."

• CTS...
• August 3, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Got the 1st shot at a Costco in May. Stupidly got it in the arm with my dominant hand. First 12 hours not too bad, but by the end of day 1, my whole arm hurt like anything. The next day, I had a large red area on my arm and began to have flu-like symptoms. By the end of day 2, I was feverish, cold, achy, and tired. Reminiscent of going through chemo from cancer. No energy; spent the night in bed. Took Advil, which helped the pain a little, but I woke up several times that night with aches, sweats, and chills. By the next morning, I felt slightly better. Felt feverish and achy again by the end of day 3, and my arm got more painful. A 4” red area around the injection site 3 days after; hard and hot to the touch. By day 4, side effects began to subside. I think it’s worth it if it prevents me from getting shingles; just wish I had known about the side effects before I got the injection. I’m concerned for anyone who is elderly or has a compromised immune system. The fever and pain may be too much for them."

• bec...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 5, 2018

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Please read people's reactions to this drug before getting it. I talked to my doctor, who said minimal side effects are posted by the CDC, and because I’m so susceptible to shingles, I decided to do it. I got the first injection on July 27th, the most painful injection I’ve ever had. I could barely move my arm, and it was hard reaching for a box of cereal in my pantry! I had weird pin-like pricks, headaches, and itching on my scalp when I had a breakout 9-10 months ago, but let me tell you it was moderate. Now it feels like I’m being electrocuted in different parts of my body, pain inside my mouth, in my ears, my upper shoulder blades, sore throat, tiredness, and all-over achiness. It's like this shot has fired up my nerves where I’ve had shingles before. I'm not getting the second one. For those of you contemplating this shot, make sure you are absent of any post-therapeutic neuralgia pain because this shot could stimulate the pain and symptoms, and it is horrifying. I wish I would have read here first before I got this shot."

• Wil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 30, 2021

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I just got my first Shingrix injection yesterday. My reaction is even worse than the reaction I had to the COVID booster. My entire body aches. My teeth hurt. I cannot find a position that is not painful. I feel like someone has repeatedly hit the back of my head with a 2x4. Light hurts. Noise hurts. I feel like I’m constantly on the edge of vomiting. I hear shingles is awful, but if this lasts a few more days and I still have to bet my booster, IDK if it is worth it."

• sti...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 10, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I had my first shot of Shingrix with 0 side effects and went to get my 2nd shot feeling pretty smug. Bam, within 4 hours, I felt worse than I have ever felt in my life, and it has been 2 months, and I still feel yucky. I had a high fever, aches, malaise, and swollen lymph nodes after the shot. I lost 5 days of work and still have a profound feeling of being unwell if I don't get a lot of extra sleep and take it easy."

• Mox...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 24, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Very sore arm and limbs ached within 4 hours of the shot. As the day progressed, I experienced shaking chills, exhaustion, and fever. At about the 16th hour mark, my fever went up to 103.7. My body aches. I’ve taken two cold showers, 2 Ibuprofen, and have ice packs on my head. Do not get this vaccine unless you have 2-3 days to recover."

• Mel...
• February 19, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Had my first Shingrix vaccine in Nov. 2019. Very sore arm for a few days & felt a little off the 1st night. Nothing else. 2nd dose yesterday, Feb. 18, 2020, & the pharmacist warned me of flu-like symptoms. My parents had their 2nd shot last week and no side effects except a sore arm. I hoped for the same. No such luck. I'm home from work today as I woke up with major body aches & headache. It's now 2 pm & the Tylenol is wearing off. Still feel the same. Hopefully will be better in a day or two. A friend got shingles on her face, so close to her eye. If this avoids that, it's worth the inconvenience. Suggest doing the vaccines when you have a couple of days off."

• Inn...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 21, 2018

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I had had the previous Zostavax with no issues. I got the first Shingrix shot about five months ago and have determined I am NOT going to get the second shot. I am 66 years old and in good health. I was fine for the first day after the shot but quickly got a fever and flu symptoms, dizzy, body aches, etc. everything everyone else has described. Also, my arm was very sore. The flu symptoms and fever lasted about two or three days. My arm was fine after five days. However, I have lasting and annoying nerve pain in both arms, worse in the arm where I got the shot. My arms are aching and feel weak, as others have described. I know shingles is very painful, but in my opinion, there is more to be learned about this vaccine. I hope I get better."

• Log...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 20, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Just received my second shot of Shingrix on 7/19/19. My arm is quite sore and is warm and hard at the injection site. Experiencing body aches and some stomach cramps. Also, a headache and tiredness. The first shot was worse. I ran a fever of 101 and felt like I had been hit by a bus. Side effects lasted several days, so I would recommend getting the vaccine when you have a couple of days off afterward. It's hard for me to rate the effectiveness - I guess if I don't get shingles, it will have been worth it. I wouldn't make any plans for the first 2 or 3 days after each vaccine."

• Jac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 3, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Here is my side effect timeline after the 1st shot: 0-12 hours - slight pain in arm where shot was placed. 12-18 hours - body aches and chills identical to what I get with the flu. Bad enough that all I could do was lay in bed under an electric blanket. 18-20 hours - body aches and chills start to go away. Fatigue takes over. Hot shower and Advil helped at this point. 20-36 hours - fatigue faded away. After 36 hours - feel normal except for slight pain in arm."

• Cat...
• September 27, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Had 2nd Shingrix shot 7/3/19. Next day had fever, chills, and body aches, along with a sore arm. Here I am almost 3 months later, and my arm is sore and I have pain when lifting it. Wakes me up at night. Went to the doctor today, had an ultrasound done on my arm - shows nothing. Dr. told me to put warm compresses on, and if not better in a month, he will refer me to a surgeon. Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks."

• bzt...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 20, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I received the Shingrix vaccine about 10 days ago. Arm a little sore at first, but nothing terribly noticeable. But within a few days, I noticed I was feeling tired, achy, and somewhat nauseated at times. GI not doing great. Joints hurt. I thought it might have been a GI thing, but eventually, I realized it must have been the vaccine. While not necessarily truly allergic to much, I have pronounced difficulties with almost every medication I've ever taken. After reading the responses on this site, I am quite certain that all my symptoms are related to this vaccine. However, I am so thankful that this effective vaccine is now available. I am in healthcare, and I know firsthand how awful shingles can be. Do not be put off by the side effects. Get the vaccine. You won't remember the side effects, but you would always remember the shingles."

• Deb...
• September 15, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "The first Shingrix injection was fine other than a sore arm (small price to pay). I had body aches, fever, and nausea with the second injection three months later. Lasted 12 hours, then fatigue for another day. Still a small price to pay considering how awful shingles can be."

• JKa...
• January 22, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Had a terrible reaction the first night. Chills and shakes. Didn’t sleep well. Felt like I had the flu. Next day, major headache and very tired. Had to miss half of a day of work. I can deal with a sore arm, but I have had body aches all day long. Scared to take part 2. I never had this reaction to the other shingles vaccine I took a few years ago. I am a healthy 53-year-old man."

• Itc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 23, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Very fit, active woman, 72, no history of adverse response to any medication. First Shingrix injection at noon Thursday, June 20, left upper arm. Friday, June 21: Fatigue (slept much of the day), body aches, chills, headache, injection site 2' diameter, red & itchy. Read reviews of side effects on this site. Slept hot that night. Saturday, June 22: Headache, injection site 6' rectangle, red, itchy. Raised red rash appeared on both arms from injection site (corresponding location on right arm) down to wrists. On left arm, 4' above wrist, 1.5' diameter itchy red patch. A long-healed scratch directly above the patch turned red with blisters along the scratch line. Sunday, June 23: No improvement in rash, still red, very itchy. Have not used any remedy such as cortisone cream. Plan to be at doctor's office tomorrow at opening. No way will I get the second injection."