Shingrix and Chills: 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."

• Bea...
• August 26, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Wednesday, August 12, 2020, 2nd Shingrix vaccine. 1st in March was pretty much uneventful. Sunday afternoon dizziness started. Headaches, night sweats, heavy legs, big toe twitching, legs shaking, cold even though house was 80°F. Felt out of it. No appetite. Eyes blurry. Sneezing. Ears ringing. Dry cough. Bad taste in mouth. Fatigue worst days 5 & 6. Itching, burning skin, slight rash on around day 8. Random muscle pains and spasms. Super ANXIOUS, but I tend to be an overly stressed out type. Heart racing. Stomach not good day 10 & 11. No appetite, abdominal discomfort. Diarrhea on day 11 with foul smell. Day 11: Slight night sweats, super dizzy. Day 13: BETTER. Not 100%, but I’m feeling better. All lab work negative. I searched forums like this one to find out why I felt so horrible, other people confirmed similar responses to Shingrix. I wish more people would follow up afterwards. To share that it can and will get better."

• Pca...
• November 14, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I had my first Shingrix injection in August, absolutely no problems. I have to admit, I thought, 'What’s the big deal?' Like a few others had commented. The second shot was three weeks ago (November). I expected the same result as the first shot. Boy, was I wrong. About 12 hours later, I was so cold, shivered for 2 hours, put two blankets on, finally stopped. Didn’t sleep well that night. For a week, I felt flu-like, tired, weak, and lightheaded. Within a week, I had muscle aches all over, like I had worked out for hours. It’s been 3 weeks now, still have muscle discomfort, the other symptoms are going away. Never had reactions to a vaccine before!"

• 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."

• Emi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 4, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Received the Shingrix vaccine last night, along with the flu vaccine. Woke up this morning in excruciating pain in my left arm, barely had the ability to walk to the bathroom. I have cold chills, muscle weakness, and fatigue. I also feel like I have an earache. I am a nurse for the state and actually had to call off work. I even took 400 mg ibuprofen with no relief."

• 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."

• Mim...
• October 11, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Took my first Shingrix dose in Jan 2020. The side effect was severe. Even though the headache was mild, the chills were unbearable. I had to spend 2 days wearing a thick coat while shivering. Naturally, I was reluctant to take the second dose until my doctor talked me into it. When I took the injection in Oct 2020, the side effect was much milder. I just got a slightly sore arm and a mild temperature. About two days later, I woke up at night totally soaked with sweat. After that, I was back to normal."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Sic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 30, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "SHINGRIX-related illness: The comments of severe illness are quite real. Note, I had my shot on Friday, Sept. 27th, 2019. It's now Sunday, Sept. 29th. I've never become ill, especially this suddenly. I'm in the 50-59 age group - the group reporting the most severe adverse reactions to Shingrix. I was in excellent health before this vaccine. Onset of adverse reactions: less than 12 hours after getting the 1st dose. My symptoms are repeated throughout these comments: stabbing pain in various areas of the body - including in the bones; severe chills/inability to warm even in warm temperatures; cognitive 'fog'; dry cough; chest pain; racing heart; inability to sleep due to pain throughout the body; injection site swelling and redness are the least of your worries. Feels like being hit by a truck. No one warned me. DO NOT RECOMMEND."

• 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."

• 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."

• Bla...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 6, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Shingrix needs to be more upfront about the side effects. Perhaps the FDA should review the information brochure and tainted results. I am 62 and received the second shot on 08/06/2019. I thought I was going to die last night! My blood pressure dropped to 72/39 after experiencing extreme dizziness, loss of appetite, chills, not to mention the expected soreness. In my opinion, Shingrix should be administered with a routine night in the hospital."

• 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.)"

• 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."

• 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!"

• 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!"

• Dar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 2, 2020

"I just had my first shot of Shingrix on Friday, July 31, 2020. Painless shot, but six hours later, went into extreme chills, which turned into hot and cold sweats for approximately 24 hours. Also, extreme muscle pain in the entire body with a very painful injection site. The feverish symptoms broke at approximately 1:00 am Sunday morning. It is now 4:00 pm Sunday afternoon. I'm having hot/cold flashes with extreme dizziness and just a feeling of being out of sorts with my body. I just took a Benadryl an hour ago, but no remedy for my symptoms. Side note: I am allergic to bees, wasps, etc. I swear that I thought it was the end of me. I will NOT be getting the second dose."

• SIG...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 22, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "My husband and I both had the first Shingrix vaccine on 8/21/19. He had some arm pain; I could not move my arm after a few hours, and it lasted several weeks. I developed a giant red welt. Only dealt with pain the first time. We had the second injection yesterday around 5:00 pm. By 8:00, I could barely move my arm. By 11:00, I started getting the chills and fever of 102.4. I took ibuprofen, and it knocked the fever down enough so my teeth stopped chattering, and I could attempt sleep. Woke up today with a raging headache; every joint in my body hurts; my stomach is upset, and the fever is still here at 101.5. I’d say I had the flu, but the timing is far too coincidental. Hubby, again, is only feeling arm pain. As awful as this is, it does not hold a candle to shingles! I watched my mother suffer for MONTHS with shingles. She was so miserable in pain, no clothing could touch her legs. I don’t wish that on my worst enemy (well...)."