Shingrix and Flu-Like Symptoms: What Users Say

• 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!"

• 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"

• KEM...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 21, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Had second Shingrix shot in late February. Within 12 hours, I had joint pain and flu symptoms. I was expecting these, but I still have terrible joint pain all of these weeks later. It's hard to get out of bed each day, the pain is so intense. Pain relievers don't help much. I'm miserable."

• Cin...
• March 3, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I had the first shingles vaccine last week. Shot hurt, I felt some mild flu-like symptoms. The worst issue was my arm swelled and was extraordinarily painful for about five days. I showed my husband the difference in size and my shoulders – the one I got the shot in versus the other. He said I looked deformed and called me Popeye, it was just awful, lol! That was how bad it swelled. It was so painful, just brushing a shirt against it was exceedingly painful. It’s been a week and my arm is almost better, but now I’m getting incredible headaches in the morning and in the evening. I’ve never had them before, and they don’t seem to be getting any better. I’m really lightheaded as well. Admittedly, I’m super nervous about getting the next vaccine."

• Joh...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 3, 2021

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I had both Shingrix vaccinations in 2018 following a shingles outbreak around my right eye. Localized muscle soreness and flu-like symptoms for 3 days following the second jab. I'm currently 64 years old and just received my first COVID jab. Four days later, I developed shingles around my right eye and face for a second time. This time was much worse than the first. I thought the Shingrix vaccine was supposed to prevent or at least help minimize this."

• 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."

• jim...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 21, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I am a 70-year-old male in good health. I have not taken a sick day from work in 10 years. I got my flu shot 2 months before. Later, I got the Shingrix first dose. After several days, I came down with severe chills and was confined to bed for 36 hours. Flu-like symptoms like chest congestion and coughing. Took a week to fully recover. (negative COVID test). A connection between Shingrix and the flu-like symptoms was not made then. After the required two-month wait, I got the second Shingrix shot. The same flu-like reaction happened, but more severe this time. It is now three weeks on, and my chest is still full of fluids, and I cough up mucus all day long. A cheek rash also occurred. (two negative COVID tests) The repeat sickness and internet research makes me feel it is due to Shingrix."

• Nan...
• October 21, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Female, 65, mild case of MS. After the first dose in June, had 3 days of flu symptoms, fatigue, nausea, muscle pain. Tylenol, sleep, soak in bath salts, stretching helped, ate lightly and fell into deep sleeps. Mid-Oct, reluctantly went for the second shot, figuring shingles prevention for the rest of my life was worth it. An older sister had a bad case a few years ago - something to avoid! Scheduled my life this time for 3 days to recover. Side effects this time only half as bad. Worth it to me. This site attracts the worst stories. My pharmacist said most of her people reported 1-3 days feeling bad, like me. Manageable. Some had very little reaction. None extreme or longer than 3 days. For the second shot, I went in late afternoon for an early bedtime. Had a swimming workout beforehand, light lunch, felt good with body charged up. Perhaps that helped. Stayed on Tylenol, drank Coca-Cola, green tea, had much less nausea. Slept deeply. Discomfort worth it for protection from much, much worse, I think. Good luck!"

• Fra...
• February 28, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I had the first vaccine on August 28, 20. It was horrible. My arm ached. I had flu-like symptoms that lasted about 5 days. I was just miserable. I just had the second vaccine on Feb 25, 20 (6 months later). What a major difference. My arm still hurts, which I'm sure is from a needle being put in the muscle of my upper arm. This time I had no flu symptoms, and I haven't felt too bad at all. I was a tiny bit off yesterday, but nothing like the first time. I have a headache today, but Advil has helped with that. I was afraid to do the second one, but it's been great. I know it beats risking the alternative. You can't expect the same reaction as the first time as you just don't know. I'm happy my stress was for nothing."

• Nee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 1, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I had most symptoms listed, like flu, then ended up in the hospital. Heart rate out of control, blood pressure, and they did blood work, saying some virus is attacking my immune system and my immune system is fighting back hard. I had been feeling really good up until this shot, and about 6 hours later, the Shingrix side effects started - flu symptoms, dizziness, and 4 days later ended up in the E.R. feeling really ill. I never had a reaction from a vaccine before. Never thought to look it up prior to getting the dose. I will not be getting the second shot. Doc said he was concerned I could have a stroke."

• Pet...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 22, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "The doctors that I worked with - my primary and ER room didn't relate my side effects to the vaccination. They all thought it might be something else. I think this vaccine needs to be recalled for further research. Did my shot 27 Aug 19. The first week was manageable. Had: pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site the first week. Started from second week: 05 Sep 19 - 18 Sep 19 - one week after the shot: strong muscle pain, tiredness, headache, shivering, high fever, no appetite, flu-like symptoms, difficulty in the chest when inhaling, abdominal and chest pain. On Advil 3-4 times a day. Went to emergency - left with a diagnosis: fever of unknown origin. Not good bloodwork. Fever during 16 days 101.3. Now temp is okay during the day but in the evening 98.96 with some chills. Again have to take Advil as I can’t sleep with fever. Sweating each night a lot. Out of the office for two weeks. Lost 10 pounds. It seems I would need 2 more weeks to recover. Not doing a second shot as 4 weeks of being sick is too much."

• Sic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 8, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I received 1st shot 7/17/2019. It is now 9/7/2019 and I still have severe side effects which started the next day. Started out with mild fever, flu-like symptoms, and severe joint aches. Shoulders, neck, hips. My fever is gone, however, joint aches in the AM especially are so severe they have me on prednisone 40 mg, which helps a little. I can’t do much, getting out of a chair is very hard to do or lift my arms. This shot awakened a nightmare in my body. I would like to know how long this will go on. Is there anyone else that feels like a Mac truck hit them? I am a 73-year-old and hate to think I have to live the rest of my life like this."

• Car...
• September 3, 2020

"I had the first Shingrix shot along with a flu shot last week, Aug. 28, a Thursday. Started feeling unwell by Saturday and have felt bad for one week now - extreme tiredness, bad headaches, flu-like feelings, maybe a mild fever. I did not suspect the Shingrix/flu vaccines for several days. I just thought I had been overworking and needed to rest, so I did and have felt very under the weather all week. Hoping tomorrow will be better. I wish I had gotten the vaccines separately, but not sure this would have helped. Be aware that you could have symptoms afterward."

• Lad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 23, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Got the 1st Shingrix shot in Oct 2019. Within about 6 hours, developed flu-like symptoms and increased blood pressure, as well as a racing heart and lethargy. This lasted about 2-3 days and eased a little each day. I dreaded getting the 2nd but just got it in May 2020 and got the same flu-like symptoms, dry cough, and stuffy nose when sleeping. The next day, also got some mild stomach issues/diarrhea. Plan to do the vaccine on a Friday, so you have the weekend to recover."

• Leo...
• September 6, 2018

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I'm a healthy 52-year-old female. Took the 1st Shingrix vaccine in April 2018. Had a very sore arm and mild flu-like symptoms for 2-3 days. Then the itching started inside both arms. This lasted about 3 weeks and subsided. Got the 2nd Shingrix vaccine in August 2018. Had mild flu-like symptoms and a sore arm again for 2-3 days... then the severe itching started on my neck, chin, and arm. It is so bad I have literally scratched the blood out, and nothing helps. I visited my doctor last week and was told that the vaccine boosts the immune system so strongly that it can cause eczema-type irritations that can last up to 3 months. I'm in my 5th week of miserable, sleep-disturbing itching. I honestly wish I'd never taken this vaccine. I'm so miserable. None of the warnings mention itching being a long-term side effect. I understand the mild flu-like symptoms, but this itching has me very worried. Never experienced anything like this before."

• lyd...
• February 6, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Received the first shot 5-1-18. Typical flu-like symptoms for 2 days. Received the 2nd shot 11-1-18 and so sorry I did. Started with pain on the outside rim of my left ear. Then ringing and whooshing sounds followed. Primary doc sent me to ENT. I was told nothing is wrong with my ear. Sent to audiologist. 4% hearing loss in left ear. All this in the month of November. December same ear issues. Put on prednisone. No relief. 1-1-19...to the ER. Numbness on the right side of face and pain in the right outer ear. Nothing found wrong. Back to my doc 1-4-19. Tells me I have shingles. No rash. Started Valtrex a couple of days later, odd red bumps appear on both earlobes and neck. Today is 2-6-19. Odd red bumps/rash gone. Pain on the outer rim of left ear still here. Ringing and whooshing noise remains. I can only relate this to the Shingrix vaccine. Never had these issues prior to the vaccine. I hope this disappears soon."

• Mag...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 6, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "The first shot was a breeze. The second shot, which I received three days ago, was a total nightmare. I’ve had the flu many times, and never was I as sick as I was with this medication. I really should have gone to the hospital. Worse than any flu symptoms or the flu I have ever known. The chills, to me, were not just chills, I was never so cold in all my life. I was hot, I was dizzy, I was lightheaded, I was sick to my stomach, I was in horrible pain, and not just at the shot site. I had a very high fever, and my heart was beating fast."

• Con...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 4, 2018

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Female, 69 y.o. 1st shot May 2018: very sore arm for 2 weeks. Mild flu-like symptoms, 3-4 days: fatigue, fever, feverish, sore muscles/joints. Not fun, but better after 5 days. 2nd shot: really bad! Much worse flu symptoms: bad headache, fever, chills, pains in muscles/joints for over 2 weeks, extreme fatigue, gastrointestinal symptoms. 3 weeks later, still fatigued. Got sinus infection and cold. Some bad reactions to Shingrix may be caused by the adjuvant added to boost immune response. Shingrix trials excluded people with lupus, psoriatic arthritis, etc. Can the adjuvant turn on autoimmune disorders? There is an article on Medpage Today 'Questions Remain about Shingrix Safety in Rheumatic Disease.' I have an autoimmune disease (celiac and hypothyroid). Got Shingrix because of CDC's strong recommendation. Shingles is very bad. But lupus/autoimmune disorders will destroy health forever!!"

• Top...
• September 21, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Minimal side effects after the first shot. Mainly a sore arm. But the side effects from the second shot were horrible. It felt like the worst flu I'd ever had. I would ask respondents to wait until you've had the second (booster shot) before evaluating the side effects of Shingrix."

• 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."

• Cha...
• November 10, 2019

"I received the first Shingrix injection in July 2019 and experienced arm pain for about 3 days. I took pain relievers. Arm pain was bad for one or two days but got flu-like symptoms that lasted about a day after. The symptoms began 18 hours after the shot and lasted for 12 hours. I received my second Shingrix injection on November 8. Significant symptoms kicked in about 18 hours after the time of the shot. Symptoms worsened throughout the day and included significant joint and muscle pain. It was just like getting the onset of a significant flu. Last night, I tossed and turned, and in fact, my sheets were wrapped around my head in the morning. This is the second day now after the shot, and I'm feeling perhaps 50% recovered. Joints still ache and energy level is abnormally low. I strongly recommend that if you are still working, you get the shot on a Friday so you have the weekend to at least mainly recover. I am 70 and in excellent health."

• 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."

• 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 :)"

• 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."

• Anonymous
• August 19, 2021

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I’m a 59-year-old male. I took the Shingrix vaccine around June 23, 2021. A couple of hours later, I started getting lower back pain, then flu symptoms after that. I had bad flu symptoms for a full 2 days. The worst part was the back pain! It got so bad I couldn’t put my socks on. I had to do special positions to do it. I had the worst back pain of my whole life. It took several weeks to improve, and then it got worse again for a while. After nearly 2 months, it is feeling better than it did, but still not back to normal. I was/am afraid the pain and discomfort are permanent! Nobody told me there could be this bad side effects! I had a flu shot with no effects. I had the COVID-19 vaccine with some flu-type effects. This one slammed me! I had shingles over 30 years ago, and it was painful! But this was worse. I’m not getting the second shot. I’m worried that the effects could be worse or permanent damage could result."