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

• Tat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 15, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "First dose of Shingrix in early July was fine. Sore arm at injection site, but nothing more. Yesterday, I had the second dose, and within two hours, I felt like I was hit by a truck - chills, body aches, diarrhea. Low-grade temp. Today is day two - splitting headache. Body aches. Hope it passes by tomorrow. I took this because, as a child, I had chickenpox, and the doctor recommended it as I am more at risk."

• Ann...
• July 30, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "After getting the second Shingrix shot, I developed a swollen tongue, sores in my mouth and lips. A burning sensation on my tongue lingered for days. Episodes of swelling were on and off for no reason. Took Shingrix 4/14/20. Two weeks later, I developed the above symptoms that still occur. Went to 3 MDs, and all are puzzled. Also, BP lower than usual and now off of BP meds. Periods of lightheadedness and chills have diminished, but burning is still present. After looking up severe side effects from Shingrix, I find I have had these problems. Question: What is the duration of this condition?"

• Jop...
• September 3, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Took the shingles vaccine two days ago and the night shivering the first night was wicked. I felt like I was hit by a truck. I still have a deep headache and night chills. I couldn’t lift my arm for about 24 hours. My arm is still very sore, though now I can use it. My whole body felt like I had severe allergies. I did not have a fever."

• Lak...
• August 30, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I got my 1st shot on a Thursday, got fever, chills, aching of my entire body, headache, sore arm, and felt awful. My fever went to 102.5, and I alternated ibuprofen and Tylenol. I couldn't sleep and basically felt I had a case of really bad flu. It is Sunday, and I am still running a fever. I am wondering when or if I will feel better. Not anxious to get the 2nd dose in 2 months."

• DrN...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 12, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I had Zostavax years ago with no problem. Oct 9th '18, I had the 1st Shingrix. It was a painful injection. The next day, my arm was so sore I could hardly move it. I was scheduled to attend a conference that day. I checked into the hotel and went straight to bed. I had fever, chills, and body aches for the next 2 1/2 days. My arm throbbed terribly. The fever, chills, and aches went away, but my arm was sore for 6 weeks. I am a nurse practitioner and believe strongly in the benefits of vaccines, but honestly I am afraid to get the second injection."

• Ric...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 20, 2021

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "No way on God's green Earth I am getting another injection of this. I have been awake all night. Headache, sweaty, shaky on my feet, tender throat and chest cavity, chills, and none of those side effects are tapering after 15 excruciating hours. Terrible! makes COVID-19 vaccination side effects seem like a day at the beach in comparison. Take this toxic profiteering substance off the market! FDA approval or whatever. Good God!"

• fev...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 9, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Healthy woman in mid-50s. I have completed the series of both Shingrix shots. I had a very strong immune response both times. Symptoms started about 8 hours after the shot. They included chills, headache, night sweats, weird stabbing pain at different points in the body, and fever up to almost 102 degrees. These symptoms lasted for about 48 hours, and then I felt weak and tired for another day before being back to normal. I spent two days in bed after each shot and generally felt terrible, lying in bed moaning from discomfort. After going through all this, I better not ever get shingles..."

• Sur...
• November 12, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I'm an extremely healthy 59-year-old. I had shingles at age 29. I got the Shingrix yesterday at 9 am. The nurse warned me the shot would burn going in-nope, didn't really even feel it. Went to lunch with a friend, and walking for about 90 minutes. After my hour drive home, I could barely get out of the car. Within a couple of hours, headache, severe nausea had me tossing and turning all night, muscle pain worse than any flu I've had! Even my buttocks hurt-very strange. My feet hurt so bad! Severe chills and shaking, fever 102.2 at 5:30 am. Wasn't able to take Tylenol till this morning because of nausea. This is worse than the shingles I had! I was NOT expecting any of this! Despite this, I will get the second injection-shingles is more severe the older we get. I hope my symptoms don't last as long as others have said. My injection site is sore, red, hard, and swollen, but I expected that and don't consider it a big deal; just moving my arm a lot."

• jim...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 21, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I am a 70-year-old male in good health. I have not taken a sick day from work in 10 years. I got my flu shot 2 months before. Later, I got the Shingrix first dose. After several days, I came down with severe chills and was confined to bed for 36 hours. Flu-like symptoms like chest congestion and coughing. Took a week to fully recover. (negative COVID test). A connection between Shingrix and the flu-like symptoms was not made then. After the required two-month wait, I got the second Shingrix shot. The same flu-like reaction happened, but more severe this time. It is now three weeks on, and my chest is still full of fluids, and I cough up mucus all day long. A cheek rash also occurred. (two negative COVID tests) The repeat sickness and internet research makes me feel it is due to Shingrix."

• apo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 28, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Update on side effects. (I am 53 yrs old) Was administered vaccine on 5/26/2020 - Wednesday midday feeling chills and later had mild fever - about 100.3 or so. Took a hot shower, felt a little better. Before going to bed, took 2 Tylenol and some ZzzQuil to sleep. This morning woke up soaking with sweat like I had been working out, fever all gone and no chills. Emailed my doctor and he said the 2nd shot is a little more bothersome since you already have the antibodies in your system. It is 4:22 p.m. now and feeling much better - there is still pain in the injection site and it is red, but I don't care about the slight pain - all the other symptoms were a bit worrisome - let's hope to the good Lord all goes well by tomorrow."

• Hon...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 23, 2021

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I’m a healthy, active 69-year-old female who eats well and walks or lifts weights. I got the shingles injection (second dose). I’m miserable, ache all over, shivering, feel like a bad flu. I have had COVID-19 in early October, so we know it’s not that. I just guess I’ll have to ride it out."

• AAF...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 23, 2023

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I received my first Shingrix vaccine shot in November 2022, after which I experienced muscle aches. When I received the second shot on February 18, 2023, the pharmacy tech did not provide me with any information about what to expect, except for commenting that it 'should be easier' than the first shot. However, he was very wrong. I should have done my research beforehand. I received the second shot at 3:30 pm, and by 6:30 am the next morning, I felt like I had been hit by a truck. I experienced massive and constant chills, headache, exhaustion, malaise, nausea, heartburn, diarrhea, muscle aches and pains, dizziness, vertigo, sneezing, and the upper arm that had been injected was extremely sore for five consecutive days. I even developed a small rash around the vaccine injection site. These symptoms lasted for about 48 hours. Around 24 hours later, I developed a sore throat, congestion, and the sneezing returned, along with exhaustion/malaise. Even now, five days after the second Shingrix vaccine shot, I'm still not feeling well enough to resume all of my daily activities."

• Sil...
• January 28, 2021

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I’m an active 70-year-old healthy female with no medical conditions. Had shingles 25 years ago, so decided to get the new vaccine. My first injection in this second round was no problem at all. Got my second injection yesterday morning. In the afternoon and evening, I felt achy and chilled. Last night I slept as if I’d been hit by a truck and couldn’t move. My body was a dead weight. This morning I felt better and got up to make coffee. But when I got downstairs, I felt clammy and thought I was going to pass out. A wave of nausea hit me like a ton of bricks, and I had to lie down on the floor. I stretched out on the floor for a few minutes and then crawled to the bathroom with an urgency to sit on the toilet. Then dry heaves released everything that was in my stomach onto the floor, which thankfully wasn’t much. Then it seemed to pass. After reading others’ experiences, hoping to fast forward the rest of this day and the next one."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 12, 2023

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I got the shingles vaccine on June 8. The next morning, I woke up with sharp pain in my throat, as if I was having a throat viral infection. Later that day, on Friday, I started to get chills and a fever of 102.6. I took Tylenol 650 mg, and it kept my fever down to 100, but it did not go lower than this. After 6 hours, the temperature raised again. So, that is how it is going all these days in a circle: 102.6F - Tylenol 650 - 100F, and then all over again. I thought maybe on the fourth day after the injection it would be better - but it is not. My throat is killing me, I have a runny nose, a pounding headache, weakness, nausea, and fever. I have never had anything like this. I am going to contact my doctor to get help, but I am terrified reading the previous reviews. Nobody informed me that these types of things could happen. I cannot judge the effectiveness of the vaccine, but I am not going to take the second injection."

• Pet...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 22, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "The doctors that I worked with - my primary and ER room didn't relate my side effects to the vaccination. They all thought it might be something else. I think this vaccine needs to be recalled for further research. Did my shot 27 Aug 19. The first week was manageable. Had: pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site the first week. Started from second week: 05 Sep 19 - 18 Sep 19 - one week after the shot: strong muscle pain, tiredness, headache, shivering, high fever, no appetite, flu-like symptoms, difficulty in the chest when inhaling, abdominal and chest pain. On Advil 3-4 times a day. Went to emergency - left with a diagnosis: fever of unknown origin. Not good bloodwork. Fever during 16 days 101.3. Now temp is okay during the day but in the evening 98.96 with some chills. Again have to take Advil as I can’t sleep with fever. Sweating each night a lot. Out of the office for two weeks. Lost 10 pounds. It seems I would need 2 more weeks to recover. Not doing a second shot as 4 weeks of being sick is too much."

• Fri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 14, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "40-year-old female who is active and is in good general health. Having a history of seasonal allergies is what caused me to develop a weakened immune system. I developed shingles in July 2020. 1st Shingrix vaccine received on 10/11/20. I had no side effects other than a sore arm and fatigue for 1-2 days. 2nd Shingrix vaccine received on 12/11/20. Within 12 hours after receiving this injection, I developed severe chills... I had to sleep with my winter coat on while my comforter was over me... that is how cold I got. Once the chills ended, the fever began, and I had fever all night of 102 degrees... my comforter was now soaked from sweat. I took Tylenol and the fever was reduced. The side effects of the vaccine are strong but temporary. Shingles is a painful virus to have, and so the vaccine side effects are not that bad. I'm glad I took the vaccine... it was definitely worth it for me."

• She...
• November 29, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "54-year-old female. I received the first injection two months ago, and my arm was quite tender for a week. On Tuesday, about 8:30 a.m., I received the second injection. Throughout the day, I became more stiff and sore in my muscles and joints. I attributed it to overexertion from the weekend. Approximately 8:30 p.m., I was overcome with severe chills, exhaustion, and sweats even under four blankets. By exhaustion, I mean I literally could not get out of bed. My clothing was drenched, but I could not summon the energy to get up and change my clothing until late the next morning, about 7 a.m. I went back to bed until 2 p.m. The next afternoon, I was still taking a pain reliever for my headache. The fatigue completely shocked me. I had no idea about the potential side effects. Kind of bummed no medical staff informed me of such. I will be reporting my side effects to my doctor. Plan ahead if you are receiving this vaccine. It may take you out of commission for a few days."

• Cat...
• July 28, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Before taking this vaccine, I'd had three episodes of shingles, each one slightly milder than the previous one. I would say that the side effects of the first injection of Shingrix were definitely worse than the mildest case of shingles I had. This was scary-101 degree fever, chattering teeth, and irregular heartbeat. The heartbeat issue began almost immediately, and it seems like it is just beginning to get better now, nine months later. I wish I'd read the literature first-the research design and number of confounding variables is suspicious. I am not giving medical advice, not an anti-vaxxer or a doctor, but I am a health care professional and have completed postgraduate-level study on research and statistics. Nothing could persuade me to take the second injection."

• ama...
• October 17, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I will not get the 2nd vaccine (especially after reading other reviews). I do not believe a vaccine should make anyone so sick. They need to go back to the lab and figure out what can be done to reduce side effects. I am a healthy 60-year-old runner, very healthy. This vaccine has had me in bed for two days with fever, muscle pain, headache, and severe chills. Something is wrong with this vaccine. It scares me to hear about some people feeling ill for a long time. It scares me to think of what I put in my body."

• Mag...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 6, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "The first shot was a breeze. The second shot, which I received three days ago, was a total nightmare. I’ve had the flu many times, and never was I as sick as I was with this medication. I really should have gone to the hospital. Worse than any flu symptoms or the flu I have ever known. The chills, to me, were not just chills, I was never so cold in all my life. I was hot, I was dizzy, I was lightheaded, I was sick to my stomach, I was in horrible pain, and not just at the shot site. I had a very high fever, and my heart was beating fast."

• Foo...
• August 3, 2021

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I am 63, female, healthy. Had a mild case of shingles at age 26. Got the Zostavax vaccine many years ago; got a mild, yet painful case of shingles years in January 2020. Got the first dose of the Shingrix vaccine at the end of May 2021. Days 1-2: fever, chills, and aches. Day 6: sharp pain in the shoulder blade. Went to the chiropractor 4 times in a week. No relief. Day 10: rash on both shins. Day 12: clinic prescribed 6 days of prednisone for pain. Day 15: burning pain on the rib cage. Day 18: diagnosed with shingles (“just” 3 blisters on the rib cage). Day 21: diagnosed with erythema (rash) nodosum (nodes) on both shins and calves. THIS was worse than shingles! No piercing pain or burning, but swelling, inflammation, and marble-sized rheumatoid “nodes” formed under my skin. Intermittent bed rest for 3 weeks. This rash can manifest as a secondary illness. Now, at Day 70 (?); legs much better (no debilitation). Will see the rheumatologist on Day 73. Second dose in November? Unlikely."

• Con...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 4, 2018

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Female, 69 y.o. 1st shot May 2018: very sore arm for 2 weeks. Mild flu-like symptoms, 3-4 days: fatigue, fever, feverish, sore muscles/joints. Not fun, but better after 5 days. 2nd shot: really bad! Much worse flu symptoms: bad headache, fever, chills, pains in muscles/joints for over 2 weeks, extreme fatigue, gastrointestinal symptoms. 3 weeks later, still fatigued. Got sinus infection and cold. Some bad reactions to Shingrix may be caused by the adjuvant added to boost immune response. Shingrix trials excluded people with lupus, psoriatic arthritis, etc. Can the adjuvant turn on autoimmune disorders? There is an article on Medpage Today 'Questions Remain about Shingrix Safety in Rheumatic Disease.' I have an autoimmune disease (celiac and hypothyroid). Got Shingrix because of CDC's strong recommendation. Shingles is very bad. But lupus/autoimmune disorders will destroy health forever!!"

• Con...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 4, 2018

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Female, 69 y.o. 1st shot May 2018: very sore arm for 2 weeks. Mild flu-like symptoms, 3-4 days: fatigue, fever, feverish, sore muscles/joints. Not fun, but better after 5 days. 2nd shot: really bad! Much worse flu symptoms: bad headache, fever, chills, pains in muscles/joints for over 2 weeks, extreme fatigue, gastrointestinal symptoms. 3 weeks later, still fatigued. Got sinus infection and cold. Some bad reactions to Shingrix may be caused by the adjuvant added to boost immune response. Shingrix trials excluded people with lupus, psoriatic arthritis, etc. Can the adjuvant turn on autoimmune disorders? There is an article on Medpage Today 'Questions Remain about Shingrix Safety in Rheumatic Disease.' I have an autoimmune disease (celiac and hypothyroid). Got Shingrix because of CDC's strong recommendation. Shingles is very bad. But lupus/autoimmune disorders will destroy health forever!!"

• Jas...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 29, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Had shot on evening of August 28, 2019. I am a nurse. Pain in arm, but like any other immunization. Woke up in the middle of the night with fever, chills, headache, and body aches. Face flushed. Will have to cancel all plans for today. Very similar to influenza. Will report back if symptoms change. People should be informed of this so they can plan accordingly."

• Bos...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 28, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "55-year-old healthy male. Side effects from the first dose of the vaccine were severe chills, mild headache, and mild nausea. Appeared about 10 hours after getting the vaccine. I was shivering so much that I could barely speak. Went to bed in a 75-degree room, wearing sweats with a down comforter and an extra blanket on top of that, and chills continued, but were less severe. Chills lasted about an hour. The next day, general lethargy and mild headache."