Shingrix and Flu-Like Symptoms: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Cat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 29, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "57-year-old female. No health issues. Not in the best shape. Mild flu-like symptoms kicked in approx 18 hours after the first vaccination (haven't received the second yet). I had a slight fever (no chills), slight headache, and muscle aches. Tylenol took care of it. I will say that where I received the vaccine has been so sore, all the way up into my shoulder. Enough so that when I rolled over on it in my sleep, it woke me up. However, that is subsiding 2 days after the vaccine. With all this said, it is totally worth it. I do not want to get Shingles!! I'll take the short-term flu-like symptoms over that any day!"

• Deb...
• October 18, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I am a 65-year-old woman and had the Shingrix vaccine Tuesday. I had the Zoster vaccine in Dec. 2015 and had no side effects. My arm was very sore. A bit further down my arm was a big welt, looked like a big mosquito bite and started itching. Then further down my arm was another spot that was big and red. I kept itching, so I took some Benadryl. Then I woke in the middle of the night with a headache, so I took 2 Extra Strength Tylenol and went back to sleep exhausted. Had to take more Benadryl all day. I felt very flu-like, achy, joints hurt. Exhausted. Then the 3rd day, I woke in the middle of the night with throbbing hip pain, had to put some Biofreeze gel on, and when I woke, the pain was gone but came back early in the day and was very sore all day. Then by afternoon, diarrhea started, lasted all day, I’m exhausted, very flu-like. I am not sure if I’ll get the 2nd dose. I have Fibromyalgia and have enough pain in my joints. If I had it to do over again, I would not get it."

• 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."

• CTS...
• August 3, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Got the 1st shot at a Costco in May. Stupidly got it in the arm with my dominant hand. First 12 hours not too bad, but by the end of day 1, my whole arm hurt like anything. The next day, I had a large red area on my arm and began to have flu-like symptoms. By the end of day 2, I was feverish, cold, achy, and tired. Reminiscent of going through chemo from cancer. No energy; spent the night in bed. Took Advil, which helped the pain a little, but I woke up several times that night with aches, sweats, and chills. By the next morning, I felt slightly better. Felt feverish and achy again by the end of day 3, and my arm got more painful. A 4” red area around the injection site 3 days after; hard and hot to the touch. By day 4, side effects began to subside. I think it’s worth it if it prevents me from getting shingles; just wish I had known about the side effects before I got the injection. I’m concerned for anyone who is elderly or has a compromised immune system. The fever and pain may be too much for them."

• Gra...
• August 12, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Received the first of two Shingrix vaccines on Tuesday, August 6, 2019, about 10:30 a.m. Hurt more than most vaccines because it goes in the muscle. By that evening, my left arm hurt quite a bit, was red and hot to touch. When I woke the next day, my arm was really sore, still red and hot to touch. Had flu-like symptoms, headache, and severe joint pain. Could barely move - stayed in bed most of the day. I have severe osteoarthritis, which may be why my joint pain was so bad. Had to take my grandson to football practice. Driving the car was really difficult and couldn't get comfortable at all waiting for him. That night developed a fever and sleep was restless. Third day was more of the same. Fourth day less pain in the morning, but joint pain back in the evening. Fifth day arm less sore, some joints less sore, but my right side hurts a lot. I have to have my right shoulder and right knee replaced, and joint pain in both is severe right now. Sixth day, same as fifth."

• FiF...
• August 18, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "My doctor recommended the Shingrix vaccine on Monday, August 12, at my annual physical. I was told by the nurse that I might have soreness at the injection site. I went swimming on Monday and then worked the rest of the day. On Wednesday, I went swimming and a little kayaking. Wednesday night, I got chills, fever (103.7), shivering, flu-like symptoms, and all my joints hurt (I'm 58 with arthritis and two hip replacements). Thursday, I spent most of the day in bed with 7 of the 8 adverse reactions, according to my nurse, and a fever of 104.1. Friday was much of the same. I had an event to go to from 4:30 to 5:00 pm. As I headed home (5-minute drive), the chills started again. Fever and myalgia were back. I thought - that's it! I took 2 Aleve and 2 Tylenol on the direction of my nurse. Today, I had no energy whatsoever. It's 6:00 pm, and the shivers are back. I feel like crap, Temp. 101.5."

• Mel...
• February 19, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Had my first Shingrix vaccine in Nov. 2019. Very sore arm for a few days & felt a little off the 1st night. Nothing else. 2nd dose yesterday, Feb. 18, 2020, & the pharmacist warned me of flu-like symptoms. My parents had their 2nd shot last week and no side effects except a sore arm. I hoped for the same. No such luck. I'm home from work today as I woke up with major body aches & headache. It's now 2 pm & the Tylenol is wearing off. Still feel the same. Hopefully will be better in a day or two. A friend got shingles on her face, so close to her eye. If this avoids that, it's worth the inconvenience. Suggest doing the vaccines when you have a couple of days off."

• Apr...
• March 4, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Had 1st vaccine 3/2/19. Within 12 hours, I felt like I had been in a boxing ring with Mike Tyson. Arm, collarbone, rib pain on the side where the injection was administered. Flu-like symptoms, malaise, ache all over, tired. No energy, chills, poor appetite, ears ringing. I’ve never reacted to any medication or vaccine with such profound symptoms/side effects. 36 hours later, not feeling much better/worse. Very unlikely that I will get the 2nd injection."

• Alb...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 2, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Healthy male, 58, 235 lbs. No issues. 1st inoculation, I was flat on my back for 3 days, not back to normal 1 week. Bad flu-like symptoms, hallucinations, sweats at night. Same for second inoculation injection. So basically, I was bad flu sick for approximately 6 days."

• Inn...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 21, 2018

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I had had the previous Zostavax with no issues. I got the first Shingrix shot about five months ago and have determined I am NOT going to get the second shot. I am 66 years old and in good health. I was fine for the first day after the shot but quickly got a fever and flu symptoms, dizzy, body aches, etc. everything everyone else has described. Also, my arm was very sore. The flu symptoms and fever lasted about two or three days. My arm was fine after five days. However, I have lasting and annoying nerve pain in both arms, worse in the arm where I got the shot. My arms are aching and feel weak, as others have described. I know shingles is very painful, but in my opinion, there is more to be learned about this vaccine. I hope I get better."

• Den...
• October 9, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Had a sore arm for days. Definitely flu-like symptoms. Now, 2 weeks later, having random prickly sensations all over! Very irritating! Trying to find anyone else having this symptom. If so, how long does it last?"

• Pox...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 18, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Got Shingrix Friday at noon. It is now Monday at around noon. Side effects were horrible. Every symptom listed, chills, other flu-like symptoms were very bad. Still not feeling good and arm still sore. I see why people skip the second dose. Didn’t they see this in the trials?"

• NWa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 14, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "OMG, this vaccine was awful. Within an hour after receiving the shingles vaccine, I was tired - slept nearly 2 hours. Then I had side effects - the shivers started, I could not get warm - heating pad on my hands/wrist. Next came flu-like symptoms, although no upset stomach or fever, just aching all over. It has now been 29 hours since I received the vaccine, and I am mildly recovering - still not up to par."

• Jak...
• December 18, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I had a reaction to the 2nd booster shot. Caused flu-like symptoms, rash on sides and back, as well as little blisters and swelling of my hands. Dr. has me taking an antihistamine to reduce inflammation. Has been 48 hours since the vaccine."

• Gra...
• November 12, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Got shingles vaccine 2 1/2 months ago, still feel nauseous, had very bad flu-like symptoms after 4 days, they subsided but still nauseous. Got second shot, no flu-like symptoms as yet but nauseous again. Hoping this goes away at some point!"

• Sop...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 11, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I am a healthy 65-year-old woman. I received the Shingrix vaccine yesterday at my pharmacy. When I asked the pharmacist about possible side effects, he said maybe some redness and soreness at the injection site. I woke up in the night with chills, sweating, and a major headache. I have been laid low today with flu-like symptoms and the continued headache. I never take a sick day, but I may have to tomorrow. I wish that I had been alerted to all of the possible side effects. Not sure if I will do the second injection."

• Mis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 30, 2021

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I got the shingles vaccine (Shingrix) on a Sunday, and that night and the next day I had flu-like symptoms: fever, chills, muscle aches, tiredness, and the most painful arm. Could not sleep. Then, 2-3 days later, again, the same flu-like symptoms. Then, the next day, diarrhea. It's miserable! I got a COVID test just to make sure I did not have it, and it came back negative. Not sure about getting the 2nd shot!"

• Joh...
• February 1, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I had the first shot in early November 2019. Main issues were arm soreness and site injection pain. This lasted 5-6 days. Took the second shot in last January 2020. This time I am having the same arm soreness and injection site pain along with flu-like symptoms. People need to beware that most people suffer side effects of some sort. My doctor and pharmacy said nothing of this. For whatever discomfort is incurred, it is just temporary and will be worth it if I avoid shingles."

• bon...
• October 14, 2018

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I wasn’t surprised to be sore with side effects after the first shot. The second shot gave me a fever and flu-like symptoms for a week. It kicked off asthma, and now, 6 weeks later, I feel weak and achy, my arms and legs exhaust instantly. Chest pressure/pain and exhaustion. I’m a 53-year-old healthy woman, regular exercise, work full-time, mom. It took me until I went to my doctor to connect that everything started with the vaccine, but nothing online lists more than 2-3 days. I just heard about a husband and wife who had a month like me after it."

• Jul...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 30, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I am a healthy 51-year-old. I got my second dose of Shingrix yesterday. I had a slight cold, but the doctor said it wouldn't matter. I had a hard time with the first shot, but this was worse. Extremely painful arm and flu-like symptoms started about two hours after. Had to leave work and come home and go to bed. Woke up in the middle of the night freezing and drenched in sweat like I never have been before. I had muscle and joint pain all over. Today I feel better but am so dizzy I am afraid to walk around. Feel like I am going to faint, and I have never been dizzy before in my life. I'm sure this is better than shingles, but I would have liked to have been prepared by my doctor, who assured me there were no side effects except for a sore arm."

• Too...
• July 26, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "52-year-old female. First shot Dec/18. No effects first day, other than a very sore, stiff arm. 24 hours later, suddenly felt very warm all over, heart racing, felt dizzy and nauseated. Thought I might pass out. Unable to work, spent the rest of the day in bed with flu-like symptoms and a bad headache. Fine on Day 3. I had the second shot five days ago. Again, very sore, stiff arm on Day 1. Day 2 started having the same reaction again. Felt woozy and faint, very warm all over, racing heartbeat, diarrhea. Very weak with flu-like symptoms and a pounding headache for the rest of Day 2. Day 3 felt fine, then out of the blue, hearing became muffled like my head was underwater. Lasted most of the day. That suddenly went away just as quickly as it started. Days 4 and 5 have been okay, just tired. Give yourself a few days to recover from the side effects of this vaccine. If it prevents me from getting shingles, it will be worth it."

• Dan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 17, 2023

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "My wife and I got the first injection of two on the same day. I had a sore arm and slight body aches, which lasted a day. My wife had flu-like symptoms at night and was a bit achy the following day. Well worth the side effects we had versus getting shingles. Our friend got shingles next to her eye, and my cousin came close to leg paralysis due to shingles in his legs. Bottom line, most people that do fine with any vaccine do not post online about a positive experience, pharmaceuticals in general. This double-dose injection is a must for 50+ year-olds. Don’t risk getting shingles."

• Age...
• September 24, 2018

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Got shot, nurse said... so did they tell you about side effects? Right after the shot I got a headache, within a couple hours my arm/neck was really sore, and 8 hours later felt like I had the flu. Lasted about 2-3 days. Now, 5 days later I have a lump (chocolate Easter egg size lump on shoulder) above the injection site... not sure what that’s about? Boy, it’s going to be hard to get that second shot!"

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

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "PCP suggested since I had the old shingles vaccine, I should get the new one. I knew going on it could cause flu-like symptoms. Sure enough, the next morning I had a runny nose and persistent cough. No energy. The next day, aches and something shakes developed. Four days in and tons of sleeping, I’m starting to recover. Better than shingles, but then so is death!"

• Sve...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 6, 2018

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I am a 52-year-old male. My wife is my pharmacist. I didn't even think to ask about side effects. I don't think I have ever had an issue with any vaccine before. Six days ago, I had my second shot. The next day, I felt off, and then about mid-afternoon, I started to feel flu-like symptoms. Since then, no appetite, fever, chills, lethargic, and feel like I have a bad flu. That's when I found this site and saw all the awful side effects. My wife still insists they should be mild and last 2 or 3 days. I am on day 6 and still feel awful. Now that I know, I do remember not feeling well around the time of the first shot but didn't think to attribute it to the vaccine. I wish I hadn't gotten it."