Shingrix and Body Aches: What Users Say

• Lan...
• August 8, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Got my second of the two Shingrix shots. Had bad body aches the next day. Overall I was out of sorts, uncomfortable but ok. A little worse than the first vaccine. I had shingles when I was 50 y/o. I’m 57 now. Shingles was one of the worst, painful experiences of my life. I have scars and nerve damage that I hope will go away someday. The outbreak lasted 2 weeks. I used to think Shingles was just a thing that passes, I respect it now and what people go through. Also, you don’t know where your shingles will show up on your body. It could be anywhere, terrible and damaging around your eyes. My advice is, try to deal with the side effects the best you can. It’s a really effective vaccine and it will be worth the couple of days of discomfort you might experience."

• Vg5...
• August 30, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I was told that the shingles shot would be a little more sore than the flu shot. I got the shingles shot in my right arm and the flu shot in my left arm on Thursday, August 27, and the shingles shot did hurt more. However, that would’ve been fine if that was the worst of it. Friday, I couldn’t get out of bed, every joint in my body hurt, I had a headache, no appetite, and chills. Saturday, body aches were gone but terrible diarrhea started, and I still had chills. Saturday night was a nightmare with the diarrhea. Today is Sunday, and I am hoping the side effects subside. I sent a quick note to my doctor and said she couldn’t drag me back to the office for the second shot. There was no way I would do this to my body or system again on purpose. I might add, I was feeling fine when I went to the doctor to get these shots."

• JAC...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 13, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Just received my 2nd dose yesterday at 3 pm. Twelve hours later, I woke up with flu-like symptoms. Twenty-four hours later feeling better but still ache. I also slept a lot and took Aleve. Same symptoms after my 1st dose. This time I received the 2nd shot after work on Friday so I would have the weekend to get over the side effects. I would say the side effects were slightly worse after the 2nd dose although I was told the 1st and 2nd doses were the same. I would say I usually tolerate pain/illness pretty well. I guess I would recommend the vaccine but plan on having adverse side effects. JAC"

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• lss...
• November 28, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Had the first dose of Shingrix 4/18 with side effects of excruciating headache and body aches in knees, along with severe pain in ankles. This subsided about 3 days later. Then, as recommended, had the second shot 9/18. One week before, I had walked 5 miles, no problem. Eight weeks after vaccination, my demise began. Started with loss of dexterity in right arm, same arm as vaccination, then peers noticed slurred speech by April and swallowing problems. Then, around July, constant muscle twitching and severe loss of mobility in right arm. Lost 24 pounds since the second shot. Fast forward 2 MRIs and 2 EMGs later, I have been diagnosed by the Mayo Clinic with ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). I had no problems and considered a healthy individual, exercised frequently until I took this vaccine derived from genetically engineered Chinese hamster ovaries, boosted up by an adjuvant ASO1b, which has never been used in a US vaccine before. I truly wish the CDC, FDA, and GSK realize what this vaccine is doing and get it off the market."

• Luc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 19, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "62 y/o female. Had first dose in February. Only side effect was a sore arm for about 5 days. Had second dose this past Tues at 1:00 pm. By 7:00 pm, the arm pain started along with a headache. Next day, had a pounding headache, body aches, neck pain, and the injection site was sore to the touch and red. Took ibuprofen throughout the day with minimum relief. Before bed, I took 3 ibuprofen and 2 regular Tylenol. Next day, I felt 90% better except for my arm. Now, 3 days out and I'm back to normal. Arm is still a little sore but getting better each day."

• DCa...
• August 28, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I will NEVER receive the second vaccination. I took the first shot on July 12, 2019. I had a painful arm that woke me for 3 nights, then a slight headache, achy & mild fatigue. Night 5, I developed chills so bad my whole body was shaking. Woke on day 6, and I could not stand up. Ears were ringing & room spinning. Nearly passed out. Crawled to the bathroom & vomited. I had blisters in my ear & inside my lips. My right arm broke out in an itchy rash. Nauseated for 3 hours. I have debilitating brain fog. At 6 weeks, the dizziness has lessened but is still there. Eyes are glassy & ears still ringing. Fatigue is beyond description. I have missed days of work. I have had an EKG, an MRI, VNG & hearing test. I am going to vestibular therapy and 4 doctors. The neurologist started me on Prednisone, which has intensified my fatigue, and my gums have broken out with blisters. I am 59 with some immune issues. I figured this would be the lesser of two evils. I am fearing I have ruined my life."

• 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.)"

• 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!"

• Kon...
• February 20, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Oct. 7 - 1st dose. I got ALL the side effects! They started within 6 hours: headache and stomachache. By bedtime, I had chills, shivering, fever, and aches - lasted 3 whole days. Injection site pain a week. Feb. 17 - 2nd dose. Contacted Shingrix pharmacist who said the 2nd dose reaction is worse than the 1st and emailed me a copy of their drug studies info. 2nd dose reaction is tremendously better. I strongly believe it is because I stayed ahead of the side effects. 1½ hours after getting the shot, I took 400mg of Advil as a preventative measure. I took it EVERY 6 hours around the clock to stay ahead of any headache, chills, fever, etc. I did not miss taking Advil or go past 6 hours. In 4 hours, my eyes were tired and very slight headache. 1st night mild chills a little before it was time to take Advil. Next day very tired and my head felt wonky. No fever, shivering, or stomachache. The injection site hurts A LOT! I hope this info helps. Good luck!"

• 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."

• Sue...
• September 22, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I'm a healthy 53-year-old. Received my first Shingrix dose 3 months ago. A bit achy and uncomfortable for a day. Had 2nd dose yesterday and had severe joint pain and overall body aches. Miserable night. Still feel rough today. Mainly both arms and hands are very sore. Not much of an appetite."

• 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."

• MMa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 22, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Female, 56. First Shingrix dose on 11/15, was having surgery on the 19th. After the vaccination, I had aches and flu-like symptoms for a day, which concerned me because of my scheduled surgery. Symptoms went away after 24 hours. Second dose was yesterday, and again I feel like I have the flu: aches, headache, fatigue. DEFINITELY get this on the day before a long weekend if you can, to let side effects abate. The pharmacist who gave me the second shot asked if I had been sick because of the first. At that point, I had forgotten the symptoms I'd had... but she said a LOT of her patients were telling her the shot made them sick. Be aware. Shingles is a horrible disease, especially as you age. My mother had it at about 76 and was in agonizing pain for weeks. This little flu-like thing is much less annoying than actual shingles."

• HJa...
• January 8, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I had a bad experience. First shot was painful, and I didn't feel great - but that was the easy part. The day after the second dose, I became very ill, fever of 102, nausea, body aches, horrible headache. That was followed by sharp stabbing pains, pins and needles, itching, sciatic pain, and nerve zaps throughout my body. A week later, a rash appeared on my lower back. I went to urgent care, where I was diagnosed with postherpetic neuralgia. The bottoms of my feet became very painful - nerve pain, not muscle pain. Many doctor visits later - no one wants to admit the shot was the culprit. It definitely was. Finally, a few months later, the foot and nerve pains are subsiding. Starting to feel normal again. One doctor surmised that I had an autoimmune reaction to the shot. Beware if you have any autoimmune disorders."

• 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."

• RPh...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 26, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "So I’m 50 years old and just got my second dose of Shingrix this past Friday, 07/24/20, at 9:15 a.m. The first dose prevented me from going back to work the next day, but I feel like the symptoms got better quickly. This second dose, I started having side effects later in the evening. Fever, body aches so bad that I couldn’t sleep well, nor could I do my normal activities. Thank goodness I got this shot on a Friday. On Saturday, still had body aches real bad and I switched from Advil to Tylenol. The Tylenol seemed to help better with the body aches. But I pretty much just laid around and watched TV. I checked my temperature and it showed 100.1°F. Sunday, I am feeling a little better, but still having body aches, but I think I might be able to get some work done on the computer today, hopefully."

• Ric...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 22, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I’m a healthy, active 51-year-old woman. Had my 1st Shingrix vaccine in August. Only had a sore arm and maybe a little tiredness from it. Had the 2nd several days ago, and within 10 hours, extreme fatigue hit, my arm was so sore I could barely move it, I was in bed shivering uncontrollably, had a terrible headache and nausea. Had a fever up to 102 for the next 24 hours. I felt horrible!! Could barely move the next day as every joint hurt. It has been 3 days, my arm feels much better, but am still tired, achy, and have a headache. I hope the vaccine was worth it."

• Geo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 7, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I am/was a very healthy 66-year-old male. I am on the 5th day of a horrible experience after receiving the Shingrix shot. I have been getting immunizations my entire life, but nothing could have prepared me for this. 3 days in bed with a fever of 103. Cough and congestion so bad that one night I had to stay awake to tell myself to breathe. Splitting headache and aches so bad you can't imagine. 24 hr. nonstop hiccups since I got the shot. Sounds funny, but it's not. I've read (after I got the shot) that some people may not return for the follow-up. Well, count me in that group."

• 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."

• 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."