Zoster vaccine, recombinant and Sore Arm: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Nor...
• July 28, 2019

"I have my first vaccination on Wednesday night. I asked the pharmacist if there were side effects. She explained pain and swelling at the injection site. Well... The next morning, I had the worst headache EVER! Chills, my back felt like I had been beaten, and a little nausea. Today is Saturday, still chills, but less, head still hurting, my back still sore, and my foot and hip joints hurt? The arm is still sore and a slight fever. Hoping tomorrow will be better than this. Next dose I will DEFINITELY be off work a couple of days. I've never had the flu, and if this is what it's like, it is AWFUL."

• Chi...
• September 5, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "After my first shot, I had an incredibly sore arm for about 4 days. I had my second shot yesterday, and I'm writing this as I lie in bed, dizzy, chills, big pimple on my ear, feel like rubbish. I cannot do my work. I do NOT recommend this vaccine."

• JSa...
• February 28, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "51-year-old woman with mild autoimmune disease. I had my first shot at 10:30 a.m. Monday morning and just had a sore arm for a day-that is it. Reading the experiences here has me worried about the second shot, so I am going to wait 6 months before getting it and will report back."

• Ach...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 12, 2018

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I received the injection April 23. Had a sore arm for a few days, the least pain. Two months later, my body aches so bad some days I can hardly get out of bed. Glands in neck still ache. My doctor did not tell me it would be this bad. I had shingles a couple of years ago, and it was not this bad. I will not be getting the second injection!"

• Nyc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 8, 2018

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Whoa. Doc gave me no warning about side effects. Was there for something else and decided to get a shot spur of the moment, so I did no research on my own. Also, had no idea each dose was $200! Had the original shingles vaccine and I assumed it was the same. It obviously is not. Healthy 59 yo. I had 24 hours of flu-like symptoms from chills, aches, headache, right down to a seriously stuffed nose/thick mucus (gross, but wish someone told me all this). Swollen gland that is sensitive to touch. Arm is incredibly sore, but flu symptoms are the big problem. Take the shot on a Friday so you can lay low on the weekend. I took Aleve, and it helped the aches tremendously. I will do the second shot only because I have seen some terrible shingles cases that friends have suffered through (including one close to an eye, potentially devastating). Stock up on chicken soup, Aleve, “Killing Eve” on BBCA, blankets, and just buckle up."

• Den...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 17, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Nothing but a sore arm with my first injection. Hard to say with the second injection. I got it on a Friday afternoon; 36 hours later, Saturday night, I did not sleep at all well and woke 3 or 4 times feeling very feverish and uncomfortable. I don't know if the bad night was a result of the vaccine or not. Worth it, regardless. I had a 'mild' case of shingles about 20 years ago, and I can guarantee if you get shingles, you'll do anything for relief. Get the vaccine!"

• Rsa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 24, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I had a sore arm for several days, chills the following day, but not horrendous. About 4 days after the shot, I thought I was getting an earache and sore throat. It was actually a very tender/sore gland in my neck. Went away in a day and a half. In the day of COVID, I think they should be more upfront about possible side effects."

• Mar...
• September 13, 2018

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Got the first shot in May, arm was sore for like two weeks, so I kinda put off getting the next shot, but just so you know, the actual vaccine in the needle hurts like hell when they push it in your arm, and no one told me about the side effects even though I asked. Woke up that night with chills, dry mouth, really thirsty, dizzy, and a splitting headache. Still have the headache this morning. I had no idea the vaccine could cause these flu-like symptoms, but after reading others' comments, I see it does. Get the shot, but be prepared."

• Fis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 4, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Everyone will react differently. I had my second shot yesterday and had similar symptoms. Sore arm, light fever, weakness. No surprises. But this shot has helped me so much, and I am very grateful to have it. The shingles pain is much worse than a few days of mild pain. I hope it prevents further outbreaks and pain from the shingles."

• SDa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 15, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I am a 57-year-old female who just received the first shot yesterday. So far, it's not too bad other than a sore arm, headache, and this intense stabbing pain on my left side that has occurred maybe three times. The pain goes away quickly, but I'm worried that it may be what shingles feels like. I came to this board to see if anyone else got this stabbing pain and whether it will turn into full-blown shingles. I also want to know what happens if you don't get the second shot? I'm not sure I want to get another one after reading all of these comments and based on what I've experienced so far. I agree with others that the doctor does not spend any time going through side effects prior to giving the shot."

• Bea...
• November 26, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "(Female, 63) 2nd Shingrix shot yesterday. 1st one (7/19) wasn't too bad. Took several weeks to finally find. As last time, the injection was fairly painful for about 5 seconds. Came home, fixed some tea, and took Aleve. Several hours later, started feeling a little achy/queasy. Kept drinking tea, stayed on the couch with a blanket and pillows. Had a light supper, warm bath, 2 Tylenol. No issues during the night, just a sore arm. Today, headache and mild cramps (PMS-ish?!) More tea, Tylenol, pillows. Husband (69) got the 1st shot. Said injection didn't hurt. Came home and ignored the suggestion of rest and OTC pain meds. He worked out for an hour and felt fine the rest of the day. During the night, he was hit hard with chills and aches. Didn't take anything until I got up. Then took some Advil. It's now 30 hours after the shot, and he's doing okay. My advice: plan an easy schedule for a few days, take OTC meds ASAP, fluids, rest, TLC."

• Sor...
• July 8, 2018

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I have had similar symptoms to all previous reviews. Received at the pharmacy and wish I had read reviews first. I too have a high threshold for pain. The injection was not bad, but I had a headache and felt feverish the first night, had trouble sleeping. I finally took extra strength Tylenol and put a cold washcloth on my forehead. Exhausted the next day and headache again at night. My arm is really sore (about 3 inches below the injection site), I have a silver dollar-sized round, red, hot circular patch. Likewise, I am dreading the second shot! Another strange symptom that I'm not sure is related, but my lips are dry and cracked and very sore since the injection 2 days ago. I wish I had consulted my family doctor first!"

• Meg...
• June 16, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Got the vaccine on Friday, woke up with a sore arm and feeling very tired. Later in the day, I started having severe vomiting and diarrhea, then freezing and shivering violently. This is the second day, so hoping I will not be sick again today. Really dreading getting the second dose. I am 71, so glad I didn't wait until I was in my 80s."

• LAL...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 9, 2018

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Came here to see how long side effects last. Now wondering which is better: vaccine or get shingles and then use antiviral. A friend in her 30s had shingles above one eye for which Valtrex antiviral helped a lot. My case: I'm 61 with minor health issues. Never reacted to other vaccines aside from a slightly sore arm for a day. This is only day 2 after the first shot, hoping it doesn't get worse as I am reading it can. Spent most of yesterday in bed with body aches, a bad headache, fatigue, and feeling 'out of it.' Temp is actually lower than normal as it is when I'm run down. Arm is very sore at the injection site and hurts to lift. Tylenol is helping better than ibuprofen. Thought the 2nd shot should go better, but reading otherwise for some makes me uncomfortable with that plan."

• Anonymous
• September 20, 2018

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "About eight hours after the injection, my arm got really sore. I woke up in the middle of the night several times, very uncomfortable with aches and pains. The next morning, a hot shower did seem to help, but I was pretty sick the whole day. I had a fever, aches and pains, and a bad headache, with a little nausea. At 3 PM, I fell asleep and woke up at 5 PM. My headache was mostly gone, and I was feeling a lot better. So the bad effects lasted 30 hours for me. I definitely could not have gone to work or done anything else the day after the shot. It’s been three days now, and my arm is still a bit sore, but that’s the least of it. The headache was the worst. I was taking Tylenol every four hours. I’m really not sure if the shot is worth it. Since I got the first shot, I probably will get the second one after the memory fades."

• Luc...
• September 21, 2018

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I am a 61-year-old female. My sister advised me to get the shingles shot, the new one that is called Shingrix. Our father had shingles. Since I needed to get a flu shot, I decided to get the flu shot. I went to my Giant Pharmacy. The Shingrix arm was very sore right at the start, but I wasn’t concerned since all shots are a bit sore to the touch. I went to bed that night at 8:30 pm, and at 10:30 pm, I had the chills with shakes so bad that my husband woke up and got me a few blankets because I was shivering. The shivering lasted a few hours, my stomach felt nauseous, and I had a splitting headache. I noticed my hands and skin felt clammy to me, the best I could do was stay in a fetal position. I took 2 Tylenol tablets and drank some water. It was a miserable night! This morning, I feel very weak and feel like I am achy all over, plus my head is throbbing. My day will be spent lying down because I feel so weak."

• bpa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 27, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Had the first shot 3 days ago. Sore arm, which I expected. 2 days ago, my ear started hurting bad. Advil helps. I may have to go to the Dr. to rule out an ear infection. Something I never get. If I go, I will discuss with her about getting the 2nd shot. I haven't had the flu-like symptoms bad, just a little achy the day after the shot, but the ear pain is pretty intense."

• Cca...
• November 20, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Had 1st Shingrix shot today. Went shopping, errands, cooked dinner...then realized my arm was sore at the injection site. Throughout the evening, it got more sore. Went to bed at 10, and here I am sitting up unable to sleep at all. I tossed and turned for 5.5 hours. I ache all over and have a booming headache. Wish the student doc working with my doctor would have given me a heads-up about aftereffects. I had to get info from everyone on here. Hoping this improves today."

• Bea...
• July 23, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "So far, the Shingrix is not too bad...certainly nothing like I had been anxiously anticipating after reading some of these scary reviews, as well as the side effect warnings from my doctor and nurse. It's been about 30 hours since the shot (first one), and the only noteworthy complaint is the sore arm. Similar pain/achy like from a tetanus or flu shot. Actually, I think the tetanus was worse. Still, feeling just a bit tired and sometimes a little woozy (like from a late night and a few extra glasses of wine). I'm glad I didn't have anything important going on yesterday or today. I have several friends who had shingles, and their experiences were pretty horrifying, with one gal suffering many months of nerve pain. So it didn't take much to convince me. Glad I got the shot, and hopefully the second one will be just as easy."

• Tes...
• August 26, 2018

"I got the first Shingrix shot on Feb. 24. Only reaction was a sore arm. Second shot Aug. 23/18. Got really ill, fever, chills, couldn't eat, constipation, arm almost blistered at injection site, super tired. It is now day 3, and I am still tired, all the other symptoms are gone except for the itchiness at the injection site, which is almost a huge blister, and when I scratch it, it hurts. I'm hoping tomorrow will be much better. Would rather go through a few days of discomfort than get shingles like my husband did."

• Cla...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 18, 2018

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Had the first shot; was not told about any side effects, had severe stomach cramps, flu-like symptoms, threw up for 3 days (only bile, no food); the shot hurts when it goes in. Had the 2nd shot 3 1/2 months later, was not looking forward to it; only side effect was soreness and burning when the shot went in, arm was sore for a couple of days and had a minor headache. Would highly recommend. The benefit of the shot far outweighs the minor side effects. Would do it again in a heartbeat. Highly recommend."

• She...
• December 13, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I am a 55-year-old woman. I had the shingles shot on a Tuesday evening, the next day I had a fever and chills. All I wanted to do was sleep. My arm was sore. I felt nausea, loss of appetite, dizziness, headache, severe stomach cramps, and diarrhea, which lasted a couple of days. Although this has been the worst I have felt in my life, I think it will be worth it. I hope the second shot will not be as bad, but it seems from what I have read that it might be."

• cos...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 2, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Sore arm, body aches, chills last night, shooting pain in finger, strange dreams, tossing and turning all night. I didn't sleep very well at all! I'm 66 years old and healthy-no meds. On the 2nd day, I feel better, but my shoulder aches. Not sure, after reading these, that I will do the 2nd dose. The guy at Costco really downplayed any side effects."

• Roc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 31, 2018

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I had the first shot in May, and experienced a very sore arm for 3-4 days. I just had the second shot yesterday and had a miserable night, with chills, fever, and headache in addition to the soreness. Ibuprofen helped with the chills and fever, but I got very little sleep. Time will tell if this was worth the side effects."

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

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Got my vaccination on Thursday. That evening, my arm was quite sore. Sometime in the night, I woke to find my armpit and breast were also painful. Friday morning, I was feeling tired, achy, and had a bad headache. By Friday evening, I was also having fever and chills, and my joints hurt. Tylenol didn’t help much, so I took Ibuprofen, which worked better. I went to bed early. Saturday morning, I felt better except for a dull headache and fuzzy vision. Saturday night, I developed an itchy body rash and had to take a Benadryl. Sunday morning, I woke up to find myself feeling pretty normal but a bit tired. I sure hate the idea of having to go through it all again in two months! My mother had shingles, and I definitely don’t want that, so I will get the second shot. I am 72. My 80-year-old husband has had both vaccinations and suffered nothing but the sore arm."