Zoster vaccine, recombinant and Fever: What Users Say

• tsc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 2, 2021

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Had my COVID vaccine and thought the side effects were bad - fever, chills, muscle and joint aches, fatigue, anorexia, migraine. All disappeared after 24 hours. With Shingrix vaccine, I had all of the above plus a painful rash. The Shingrix side effects lasted 3 days for me. I'm a neurologist and treat patients with debilitating post-herpetic neuralgia down the face/eye, sciatic nerve, etc. PHN can eviscerate anyone physically and emotionally long-term so I bit the bullet and got the vaccine. My pharmacist told me I'd just get some redness at the injection site. That is not true. Be prepared to be out of commission for a few days."

• Jac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 17, 2021

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I received first vaccine - thought I was fine until 24 hours later. Then I started with joint and muscle pain. Nausea, headache, fever, and injection site pain. Nerve pain from shoulder to elbow like a sunburn for 3 days. Burned if I scratched it. Stayed in bed 3 days. Second injection worse. Both arms swelled, erythema, and tenderness at injection site. Day two I experienced muscle and joint pain. Weird bone pain in breastbone. Headache, severe neck pain, left shoulder, and scapular pain. I am a 55-year-old female. Healthy. It took about a week to feel good again. I still recommend the vaccine. I am a nurse and have cared for shingles patients. Brutal experience that can last for months with long-term complications."

• Suz...
• October 18, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I am a 64-year-old female in excellent health who received the 1st shot of the Shingrix vaccine on 10/6/20. I was not given a handout on the vaccine, nor was I told of any side effects. I developed a fever, blinding headache, shaking chills, weakness, joint & muscle pain. I had an itchy rash at the injection site. I felt like I'd been hit by a truck, & was bedbound all the next day. The following day I still felt terrible & profoundly weak. I suddenly went into an episode of A-fib (no history of heart disease). I was admitted to the hospital. Later, I still felt awful & developed a heart rate that was too low. While at my PCP for a follow-up, I had to be rushed to the ER for extreme lightheadedness & weakness. I was treated with IV fluids. I saw a cardiologist, who determined I had a severe allergic reaction to the vaccine that happens to 1 in a million people. My cardiac issues have not fully resolved, and this has prevented me from working and leading my normal life."

• Eri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 6, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I received the first injection of Shingrix at 11:00 AM at my internist's office. The nurse kept telling me that it was a painful inoculation, worse than a tetanus shot. So I expected pain when the needle went into my upper arm, but it was barely noticeable. I thought the nurse had exaggerated. My arm was sore after an hour or so, and I had a headache and felt tired, but again, I have had far worse. Fast forward twelve hours, and every nerve in my body seems to be activated. I had severe stomach, head, joint, and every other type of aching, burning, prickling, crushing pain one associates with a bad flu. Chills and a mild fever were part of the ordeal. All this persisted through the night and the next day. Where I find myself now, hoping that I'm not in for another night of torture. Tylenol and Motrin have given some slight relief. They say that the second dose is worse than the first, so in two to six months, I will be facing a difficult decision about getting the second dose."

• She...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 4, 2021

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "My first injection of Shingrix was fine, no side effects. Two months later, I received the second injection. What a nightmare. I had all the worst side effects: nausea, aching muscles, bad dizziness, chills, and fever. The next day, that turned into the worst cases of shingles. I had a week of pain to the bone in my leg. I had to have pain relievers to control the pain. After that came the burning nerve pain. I had no energy or desire to function. My shingles lasted about five weeks, and at four months, I am still suffering with PRN in my thigh. It is gradually improving, but I can't wait for this nightmare to be over. I am a very healthy 65-year-old. I wouldn't suggest this injection to anyone. It has a lot of nasty side effects, and hopefully, you don't receive the shingles like I did. This vaccine needs MORE testing. I have heard too many horror stories!"

• Dic...
• October 24, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Had Shingrix vaccine in August 2019. First dose. Within 12 hours, developed chills and shakiness so severe my juice glass flew from my hand and shattered the morning after. Getting hit by a truck would have been preferable. Had bouts of chills, shivers, and shakes lasting up to two hours. Fever topped out at 104. After one week in contact with a doctor, they had me come to the office. Sent to the hospital with a diagnosis of Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS). After checking for infectious causes, it was determined this was a reaction to the Shingrix vaccine. 2 weeks of fever over 102. 3 weeks over 101. Recurring days of chills, muscle and joint aches, headaches, and light-headedness. After 3 months, told this could go on for a while. This vaccine needs to be administered with very exacting warnings of side effects, which may be debilitating and long-lasting."

• Zep...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 21, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "My husband and I got the first shot in February. Maybe a sore arm, but nothing that I really remember and no hesitation to get second. Second shot in July. Both of us had extreme pain in our arm. I was sick - fever, headache, chills, and horrible joint and muscle pain along with debilitating fatigue for 3 days. My husband also had symptoms but not as severe as mine. After two and a half weeks, my fatigue is still terrible, and my husband’s arm is still sore. Even with these side effects, it’s better than getting shingles. Really just wish we had been warned about them. This is the worst side effects I have had from a vaccine."

• Dav...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 11, 2021

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I had the J&J for Covid-19, and it was almost without any side effects. I got my first Shingrix vaccine 2 months ago. I felt a little sick that night, but was basically fine. I just got my 2nd on July 9. A huge difference. I had a fever that lasted about 18 hours, night sweats, sore muscles, and weird dreams. It's Sunday, and I feel better. I believe this experience is worth it because shingles is awful. Also, I work for a pharma company and I believe in vaccines."

• Bac...
• March 11, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I am 61 years old and was diagnosed three years ago with Hashimoto's hypothyroidism, and thought it would be prudent to get the Shingrix vaccine. Both my family doctor and endocrinologist said it would not be a problem. I was given the vaccine in August 2019 at 10:00 a.m. The injection site hurt, but I was not concerned. I woke up at 2:00 a.m. in excruciating pain. I had uncontrolled shivering, extreme joint pain, and a severe headache that lasted for hours. At 6:00 a.m., my fever was 102°F. I believe it had been higher. My fever broke later, but I had continued joint pain and extreme fatigue that lasted for days to weeks to months now in some form or another. I am aware my thyroid condition involves those varying symptoms to begin with, but 8 months later I am still struggling daily with physical pain and believe the Shingrix shot took my condition to a whole new level with no end in sight."

• Vet...
• April 9, 2021

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Got my first injection in November 2019. Sore arm for a couple of days, not too bad. Second injection on February 12, 2020. Not so good. Within a few hours I became very tired, nauseous, and feverish. Slept all day until that evening when my wife woke me up concerned. She began asking questions that I could not respond to. The more I delayed answering, the more concerned she became. She thought I was having a stroke. She called one of her nurse friends with my symptoms and was told to call 911 or take me to the hospital. Three days in the hospital with stroke-like symptoms. MRI, CT scans, and blood work. Released on day three as I was beginning to recover from whatever it was. Side note: I have always been allergic to bee stings. Not today though. Last week I was stung on my leg and had no reaction. I believe this was all related to the vaccine, but I’m not a doctor. P.S. the neurologist had no idea what was wrong with me."

• Hel...
• August 5, 2020

"Within one hour of my Shingrix shot, fever 101.3. Fever escalated. Pain in arm and lymph nodes extreme, and couldn’t move arm for two days. 24 hours after shot, went to Emergency Urgent Care for upper respiratory reaction, low blood pressure, chills, fever, and the most severe lung pain. Given prednisone for weeklong dosage. Fatigue has been horrible. Upper respiratory symptoms still present after prednisone treatment. Lungs STILL irritated. One week later, fatigue causing 12-16 hours of sleep daily, still lung pain, inhaler, anti-inflammatory or aspirin, allergy meds. I will NOT take the second dose and am furious at the severity of my reaction. Whatever caused the reaction should be made known."

• Don...
• October 8, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Just a heads up. I had the first Shingrix vaccine a couple of months ago, just pain in my arm. I had the first pneumonia vaccine a year ago. I was due for the second vaccine for both. I went to Publix and got the second Pneumonia vaccine and the second Shingrix on the same day, big mistake. The Pharmacist assured me that getting them both together would not be a problem. Within 10 hours, I had a fever, the chills, the sweats, headache, and intense body aches. Not much sleep that first night. I started to improve after about 36 hours but after almost 3 days, I’m still not myself. I normally have no reactions to vaccines, but I think because I did both on the same day, my symptoms were elevated. I would never do that again. Of course, do what you want but I would say get one vaccine then go back in a few weeks and get the second."

• Mau...
• February 18, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "First shot, no issue. Second: within 3 hours, arm terribly sore, 100 temp, aches and joint pain and terrible headache for 30 hours, then fine. Then...eleven days later, I started with shaking chills, temp peaked at 102.5, headache and neck pain level above 10 (1/10), vision blurry, sweats where I would be soaking wet, strange diarrhea and extreme malaise. It is now day 11. I am a very active 69-year-old nurse. I never have headaches. This has been a nightmare that I hope will stop. I had shingles on my right shoulder twice and got the shot in my right arm. The epicenter of pain is in my neck right over where the C4 ganglion lies. This is the nerve that covers the dermatome where I had prior shingles. So far, after 2 Emergency room visits, I have tested negative for influenza, they did a lumbar puncture; negative for meningitis, finally said they didn’t know what was happening to me. I hate that I did this to myself by getting that horrid vaccine. It is dangerous."

• JJa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 30, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Had the shingles part 2 shot around 2 pm. Started having pains in my arm and bones later that evening. Took an Advil before bed and woke up with sore muscles, joints, chills, feeling freezing cold, and a headache. Around noon, I took another Advil. My appetite was poor. Laid around all day with no energy. I’m a fairly active 69-year-old, so this was surprising. Nothing a person can’t handle, just uncomfortable. This is day two, and I still feel the fever on my face."

• Art...
• March 12, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I had the first Shingrix shot on a Friday afternoon. It hurt. My whole arm hurt and felt swollen and heavy the next day. I had flu-like symptoms: lethargy, nausea, aches all over, but particularly in the injected arm. I could barely lift that arm for 3 days. Then I started feeling better on day 4, but that night I had bad intestinal cramps. I woke up with really bad nausea on day 5, diarrhea, lethargy, and a low fever. On day 6 (today), I started feeling better-less GI symptoms and just mild nausea. By noontime, I felt okay again, but tired. I’ve had shingles twice, and even though the Shingrix side effects were bad, shingles is far worse."

• Mug...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 28, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I am 60 years old and in excellent health. I walk and/or run nearly every day. I was vaccinated with Shingrix yesterday. Felt achy last night. This morning my temp is at 100 and I feel like I've been hit by a Mack truck. It seems this is a pretty common side effect."

• Anonymous
• August 23, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I received my first Shingrix vaccine on 8/14. I had a pneumonia vaccine the same day. Started feeling a little under the weather the next day. A couple of days later, I started feeling extremely lightheaded and started running a fever of 100.5-101.5. It is now 9 days after my shot, and I am still running a fever. I can't say for sure that I am still having side effects from the vaccination, but my doctor said to give it 2 weeks. I had a COVID test just to rule it out. I had pretty bad arm pain for 3-4 days, but nothing that stopped me from functioning. I got no warnings from the doctor that this could happen. Good thing no vacations were planned."

• Ann...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 28, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Worst injection reactions ever. Shot 1 Shingrix. The area of the injection was so painful it caused a discoloration and a huge hive-like red area that grew below the injection area. Could not move the arm due to extreme pain for 4 days. The red discoloration changed to a darker color in 3 days and stayed for 1.5 weeks. Fever of 102 for 1 day, 100 for 2 days, with uncontrollable chills. Arm gave off heat but could not be touched due to pain. Shot 2 Shingrix. Received 3.5 months after the first shot. Pain was not as intense but still painful (and I have a high tolerance to pain). The day after the second shot, a huge red welt showed up that was about 2.5 inches in circumference, about 1 inch below the injection site. The welt gave off heat and was painful. Later in the day, small hives started to show up on my wrists. These welts were very itchy. I am using ice to try to ease the itchiness. This is the worst medication ever. Who knows how long this will last, but I am very mad I did this second shot."

• Pai...
• July 21, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "All I can say is beware. I'm 55 now. I received my first Shingrix shot four days ago. Luckily, I asked for it in my left non-dominant arm. The nurse never suggested that. Nearly four full days later, I still have arm pain. The first night, the pain was excruciating. I couldn't even wash my hair or raise my arm. I've taken Aleve every day since. I take it more than once a day because of the severe arm pain and also headaches and fevers. I have been sleeping ten plus hours per night and feel a bit dizzy. Thank goodness I didn't have a trip planned or work. The shot ruined my entire weekend. If you are getting this vaccine, don't plan any trip or driving for at least five days after it. I wish someone would have warned me of these side effects instead of giving me a handout after I was already vaccinated. I've had Shingles about 30 years ago, and that is awful, though so I was brave to get through this drama. I may have to rethink shot number two, though. I felt that miserable."

• Jos...
• May 23, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Got the first shot early in February 2020. Slight itching at the injection site, and my arm was red for about a month. Got the second shot in May 2020. I woke up the next morning feeling like I was run over by a truck. Aches, fever, nausea, and no appetite. The second day, doing much better but still lethargic. I wish the doctor would have told me what to expect, so I could have been prepared. Someone else on this site noted they began taking Aleve soon after. Maybe that would have helped. Still better than the shingles, though. Make sure you don't have anything planned for a few days afterward just in case."

• Mol...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 20, 2021

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I received my first Shingrix vaccine yesterday from my local CVS. A mild headache developed after a couple of hours, and I went to bed around 8 pm feeling very tired but was unable to sleep. By 11 pm, I had a fever (101), chills, and wild, racing thoughts. Two Tylenol PMs had no effect, and I remained awake all night with throbbing pain in my lower back and joints. I forced myself out of bed at 1 pm today and feel like I’ve gone several rounds with Mike Tyson, but at least the fever seems to be subsiding. Hopefully, the second vaccine will be uneventful, but I’ll plan ahead, just in case. Having had shingles at the age of 16, which covered my torso, scalp, and spread dangerously close to my eyes, I definitely think the vaccine is worth it as I never want to experience that pain ever again."

• Zoo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 24, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I received the first dose of Shingrix in February on a Friday at around 11 a.m. and spiked a 102 fever 12 hours later with chills and sweats. That said, I slept through the night, and my fever was gone by breakfast. For the second dose, 4 months later, I was not able to schedule on a Friday, so I took Tylenol immediately after receiving, and then again after dinner. The injection site was much more painful than for the first, so I wondered if the second dose would hit harder. While my fever only reached 101, it lasted throughout the night and kept me from sleeping, with aches rather than chills and sweats. My temperature was finally normal at 97 at 9 a.m. Unlike with the first dose, I developed a dry cough that lasted through the following day (in these COVID times, I was glad to feel it disappear.)"

• Vir...
• August 19, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I had my first Shingrix dose morning of 8/14. That night, I had a very sore arm to move or touch, severe abdomen pain, and a low-grade fever. On 8/15, the same symptoms and a very hot arm to the touch. Morning of 8/16, a rash appeared on my arm and was so painful to the touch and my arm was very feverish. On 8/17, the rash more than doubled and cluster blisters started to appear, along with a stiff, sore shoulder and neck. On 8/18, the rash spread from elbow to shoulder, now looking purple where it originally started. I went back to the doctor's office, they put me on cephalexin in case it's an infection. On 8/19, new cluster blisters appeared on the back of my shoulder and still burning sensations under the skin with feverish heat. I read it can't be shingles, but it feels like it and looks like it, only it started at the injection site and is spreading to my spine."

• Hun...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 20, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "This is so bad, it is scaring me from taking the second shot. It's been three weeks tomorrow, and I still feel horrible. I was so dizzy I almost fell in the shower the day after, and that went on for a good week. I could not sleep for two nights due to arm pain. I have also had chills and fever, pounding headaches, and nightmares. One night last week, I suddenly felt like I was suffocating. I am still so fatigued I cannot stand more than a few minutes at a time without feeling like I am going to collapse. I also get shooting pains all the way down into my wrist, back, and collarbone. I am afraid I will never feel better. I have never had a reaction to any vaccine before."

• CLa...
• August 9, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Took first (and last) vaccination on Friday 8/8/20 at around 1:30. All was fine until Saturday morning ~2 a.m. Woke up chilling, shaking with fever. Suffered through the night, and all day Saturday felt like death. Body aches, fever, fatigue. Had a diet of extra strength Tylenol and ibuprofen. By the way, the ibuprofen seemed to work best for me. Woke up some time early morning Sunday, aches gone, fever gone, still pretty fatigued. Arm feels like it’s been run over by a truck. Just know that you could be out for a couple of days after this vaccine. I have a friend who, except for a sore arm, was unaffected. God bless!"