Zoster vaccine, recombinant and Chills: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Bet...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 3, 2021

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I am a 71-year-old female. I took the shingles vaccine in July 2020 at CVS. I asked about side effects and was told I might experience pain at the injection site. The second day after the vaccine, I started feeling very tired, no energy, and cold, and this lasted about 5 days. The pain at the injection site was nasty. My arm was red, hot, swollen, and extremely painful. This lasted for the next 3 weeks to a point of waking me in my sleep if I moved. In addition, one week after the injection, I had a colitis attack. I am not taking the second injection."

• Uh-...
• November 14, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Last Friday, I went to my pharmacy for the second Shingrix shot. My arm, where the injection was, was purple, hot to touch, and very swollen. Friday into Saturday early morning, I felt so sick, high fever, chills, and joint pain, flu-like symptoms. It is now Wednesday, and I am still sick. I have mucus and a sore throat. My arm is now red and less swollen."

• 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."

• eva...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 9, 2023

"I got the shingles vaccine, and after the first dose, I almost died. Within 3 hours of having the vaccine, I started having chills, diarrhea, vomiting, and feeling very tired. I went to bed, and I felt a horrible headache, and I felt like my brain was sucked out of my head. Every part of my body started hurting so bad, like it was being cut off with a knife. I wanted to use the bathroom, vomiting in the middle of the night, and I couldn't walk, couldn't breathe, and almost fainted. All the symptoms lasted 2 days. I saw my doctor, and he prescribed some medications. I started getting better but was still very tired and weak."

• USA...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 17, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "56 y.o. male, 30 years in the military, so I'm used to being a human pin cushion/lab rat. Both my wife (57) and I got chicken pox in high school, so we figured we were very high risk for shingles. Once my brother got shingles in his FACE after surgery, getting vaccinated was a no-brainer. Shot #1, standard fever, chills, sore arm for me; my wife couldn't move her arm for days and had a fever of 104. For me, it was essentially the same as the typhoid vax--I felt like I had the flu for a couple of days with a really sore arm. Dreaded getting shot #2, but it was better than the first for both of us; basically down for just one day. In any case, plan for 48-72 hours of misery. I highly recommend getting it Friday afternoon, on the side you don't sleep on. Still way better than getting shingles, folks. Get to it."

• 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."

• Daw...
• December 28, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Review the fist of two Shingrix injections. I felt fuzzy between the ears, nausea, and a little dizzy. This happened after 8 hours. Chills/night sweats. Woke up the next day and felt fine. For the second injection, I had a sore, hard lump at the injection site, about the size of a silver dollar. Warm to the touch. 12 hours later it was time to go to bed. Fuzzy between the ears, tired. Slight nausea. I am a retired nurse, and this discomfort is nothing compared to patients who are in pain for weeks with shingles. Would do again if needed."

• 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."

• Den...
• September 18, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I got the vaccine at the urging of my doctor, as I am 60 and have had shingles twice. The pharmacist at CVS said I may have a sore arm for a few days. My arm was so sore I couldn’t lift it for 2 days. I am also experiencing fever, chills, night sweats, and severe body and joint aches. Today is day 5, and I am still having this! I will absolutely not get the 2nd shot!"

• SKa...
• September 27, 2019

"BAD! #1 severe aches for 2 days, weakness, huge red welt the diameter of an orange, fever. Spent the weekend in bed. #2 Sept. huge welt, severe arm pain, could not lift arm, severe body aches. Next morning, severe weakness, uncontrollable shivering, muscle spasms, fever. I was severely nauseous, took nausea meds. I wanted to go to the ER, too sick to drive. Husband came home from work early because of being fatigued, having a headache, all over body pain. He is home 48 hours later, missing work. He was so bad when he drove home from work he wasn’t sure if he could make it home, he couldn’t think straight because of the pain. 56 hours later, my injection site is still sore, itching terribly. I still have nausea, can’t eat. I keep having chills, more mild. My husband has a fever, chills. Now I am taking oral Benadryl for the itching because nothing topical is helping. The pharmacist told me that people are reporting the 2nd shot is worse. We are 50 & 53."

• SKa...
• September 27, 2019

"BAD! #1 severe aches for 2 days, weakness, huge red welt the diameter of an orange, fever. Spent the weekend in bed. #2 Sept. huge welt, severe arm pain, could not lift arm, severe body aches. Next morning, severe weakness, uncontrollable shivering, muscle spasms, fever. I was severely nauseous, took nausea meds. I wanted to go to the ER, too sick to drive. Husband came home from work early because of being fatigued, having a headache, all over body pain. He is home 48 hours later, missing work. He was so bad when he drove home from work he wasn’t sure if he could make it home, he couldn’t think straight because of the pain. 56 hours later, my injection site is still sore, itching terribly. I still have nausea, can’t eat. I keep having chills, more mild. My husband has a fever, chills. Now I am taking oral Benadryl for the itching because nothing topical is helping. The pharmacist told me that people are reporting the 2nd shot is worse. We are 50 & 53."

• Red...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 20, 2022

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I am highly sensitive to vaccines. I was sick a week after the flu shot, well, the same goes with this one. I didn’t know this was a two-parter. Had headaches, chills, foggy, and dizzy for days. Finally better after a week. Needless to say, will not be taking the second, nor any vaccines in the future."

• PS ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 8, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I have already written my review about the severe reaction to this vaccine. I am on Day 8, and yesterday was the worst. Each day, some of the side effects remain the same, some leave, and I get some new ones. This morning is the first day I haven't had the severe headache, and I did not have the chills last night, but I have increased night sweats. I woke up with laryngitis this morning! A new thing! I have a question for others: I am 5.3 and weigh around 115 lbs, wondering if others with these bad side effects are also on the small side? I've lost 2 pounds this week as I had 2 days when I could not eat. Not good. I spoke to my pharmacist yesterday, who said there seems to be no rhyme or reason as to who gets the side effects and who doesn't."

• Jay...
• October 21, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I don't have trouble with vaccines. I got the first dose on Oct 18, 2019. In less than 2 hours, I had sharp pain in my flanks, like the dermatomes shown in medical illustrations of shingles. Had chickenpox twice as a child but not shingles. Soon, I was running a fever with chills, pain all over, including weird pain in the buttocks. Took Advil and went to bed. I woke in the night intensely nauseated but having to use the bathroom. I was so sick, I passed out and I woke up on the cold tile floor and couldn't get up for a while. I dragged myself back to bed. In the morning, I realized I must have passed out and hit my head because the whole side of my jaw hurt and I had a painful lump under my cheekbone. Fever peaked at 101. I slept most of 24 hours. On 10/20, I woke up feeling fine except for the bruised face and sore, red shoulder. On 10/21, same. Had to cancel dental appointment. Dreading the next dose! Just glad I didn't get a worse head injury from passing out."

• DKa...
• October 6, 2020

"Got the first Shingrix injection today, Oct. 5. I am a healthy 71-year-old female. My husband drove me to and from getting the vaccination. Good thing because I became nauseous and fainted on the drive home. I have chills, a headache, and feel very weak now. My arm is sore, but I can deal with the arm. The other reactions are severe. I won’t take the second dose. I got the injection from the pharmacist at Walmart - it HURT!!"

• 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."

• Ann...
• November 29, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Within 6 hours of the vaccine, I developed severe chills, profound weakness, and a temperature of 102.5. It is now 24 hours since I was given the vaccine. I still have a fever of 101.6 to 102.6, extreme chills, and am too weak to get out of bed. The fever persists even though I am taking Tylenol every 4 hours. I am 70 and in good health, on no medications. This is a terrible vaccine."

• Ann...
• November 29, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Within 6 hours of the vaccine, I developed severe chills, profound weakness, and a temperature of 102.5. It is now 24 hours since I was given the vaccine. I still have a fever of 101.6 to 102.6, extreme chills, and am too weak to get out of bed. The fever persists even though I am taking Tylenol every 4 hours. I am 70 and in good health, on no medications. This is a terrible vaccine."

• 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."

• Kat...
• November 18, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "1st dose of Shingrix: had flu and shingles vaccine at the same time. I do not recommend since I could not roll over that night in bed for sore arms! I had chills, dizziness, fever, nausea, terrible headache, sore neck on the side of the shingles shot, and it lasted 3 full days! Wish I had been informed this would happen. I’m scared to get the 2nd dose! Help!"