Shingrix and Flu-Like Symptoms: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Lib...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 11, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "69 yr-old woman, had 1st Shingrix July 2019. Arm was very achy for a few days. 2nd shot yesterday, extreme achiness in arm immediately. Not so bad, I thought. Then I woke from a kind of strangling nightmare early this morning. I ache everywhere, including my fingernails, have a headache, chills, extreme fatigue. My arm is still very painful, but it’s the flu-like symptoms that kept me in bed all day. So glad I read all about side effects because the pharmacist didn’t say a word. No regrets, though. I’ve seen shingles in action. My 90 yr-old mother got it and was in severe pain. She will rarely even take a Tylenol, but she had to take Vicodin for several days. I never ever want shingles. These side effects will go away eventually, but shingles can go on for weeks; it also often recurs. I’m thrilled this highly effective vaccine is available."

• Tam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 1, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Healthy 52-year-old female, I had my 1st dose in Nov. The shot hurt, I felt like I had the flu for 2 days. My arm was sore for a week and was red for another 3-4 days. This 2nd dose hurt as well, now here it is 6 hours later and I already have started to feel like rubbish... so I am expecting the same side effects as the 1st dose. I have heard the shingles are miserable and sometimes last for weeks, so this has to be better than getting them."

• JJa...
• November 9, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I took the first Shingrix shot two months ago. I had the sore arm like everyone else. I got the shot in the morning. By afternoon, I had a wicked headache, and by evening, I had flu-like symptoms. By late afternoon of the second day, I was back to normal. I was totally rethinking the second shot, but the doctor said symptoms are nothing compared to shingles. I just had the second shot this morning. I took Advil before and then another after. So far, I just have the sore arm. I did nap for three hours afterwards, but I was already very tired. I think the Advil is the trick. I will take another before I go to bed. Hopefully, that will keep the flu-like symptoms away."

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

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I received the first dose of Shingrix in October. The shot was extremely painful, but worse was I had flu-like symptoms the next day and couldn't work. It lasted about 2 days. But a month later, I suddenly started having palpitations at random times that lasted for hours and wouldn't go away. Turns out to be PVCs. I don't know for sure if this shot caused this new condition, but the timing was right, and I never had palpitations before that. Now it's time to get the second dose, and I'm petrified. I hear the second dose can be worse. I'm hoping the first dose will give me some protection because I doubt I'll get the second dose. But I can't find anything about what happens if you only get one dose."

• Vin...
• September 3, 2018

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "60-year-old healthy male received first dose June 6th. Mild injection site pain. Flu-like symptoms struck within 24 hours and lasted three days. Took second dose Aug 31st. Severe injection site pain. Feels like I got hit by a baseball going 90 miles an hour. Pain lessening after 3 days. Arm is not immobilized, just sore. The worst symptoms were the tiredness and flu-like symptoms. Night sweats were extreme, causing me to wake up totally drenched to the point of having to change my clothes. I guess my immune system is working well and mounting a good defense. Though painful and uncomfortable, I would urge everyone to just plan accordingly when they get the shot but don’t avoid the vaccine or the second dose. Shingles is far worse and lasts far longer and can produce permanent neurological damage or death in rare instances."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 11, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I had the first dose of Shingrix in August of 2019. I felt like I had the flu for 5 days, missing work. I also had visual hallucinations the day after receiving the vaccine—seeing black rope-like things. The hallucinations lasted for about 1 1/2 days. I’m due for the second dose but am having second thoughts about subjecting myself to this again. Age 66, female."

• Jan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 18, 2018

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I had my first Shingrix vaccine shot two months ago and am really dreading getting the 2nd injection. I had such a bad reaction, sick for 4 days with flu symptoms... aching, low-grade fever, headache, and very lethargic. My injection site was red and swollen the size of a silver dollar for about a week. I recommend if anyone is going for the vaccine to allow for several recovery days, just in case."

• 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."

• Abb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 19, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I am 54. Was surprised when I ended up with flu-like symptoms, chills, fever, headache, 12 hours after the first injection. Fine 24 hours later. Will gladly take the second dose. Much better than the possibility of debilitating results of a shingles outbreak, which I have seen."

• Nei...
• September 10, 2018

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Had the first dose in May and had no debilitating side effects except for severe pain at the site of the injection in the upper left arm. Felt like somebody hit me with a hammer at the injection site. The second dose, nearly 3 months after, was a different story. Starting the following day after that injection, I had severe pain and soreness at the injection site, which affected the mobility of the arm. Much worse were the extreme tiredness and flu-like symptoms, which lasted for about 5 days after the injection. The night sweating was so severe for 4 days that it caused me to wake up and change my bed garments several times each night. Even sheets and pillowcases were soaked. Now, nearly 2 weeks after that second shot, I have still not regained my full strength. I hope that the protection that is claimed by the manufacturer is true, as I never want to experience the symptoms of shingles that I saw my dad go through."

• Zoe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 14, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Had first Shingrix shot July 9, 2019. Soreness at injection site first 12 hours. When I woke the next day, yesterday, was in bed with flu-like symptoms. Muscle aches and headache mainly, no gastrointestinal side effects. Slept most of the day. Last night had severe itching and hives. Still have hives today but no itching. Dull headache. I'm afraid to get the second shot, but probably will."

• Hja...
• July 24, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "The first shot gave me mild flu-like symptoms. The second shot started a nightmare. Arm swelled and an angry hot welt grew over 4 days to over 12 inches and spread under my arm. Flu-like symptoms, fever, muscle pain. Took Advil with some relief. Then went to the doctor for blood work and was in kidney failure. Never saw this as a possible side effect. Seeing the doctor again on Monday. Hope this is just temporary."

• 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."

• Anonymous
• December 20, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "My first round of shingles injection was a breeze, a little pain in the arm, but that’s about it. I received the shingles shot round two around the fourth or fifth of December 2020. I had the chills, flu-like symptoms, body aches, chills, and fever. My bottom lip became very swollen, and I had to take Benadryl because they thought it was an allergic reaction to the shot. All those symptoms went away in a few days-most of them within two days, my body aches, joint pain, and sore muscles took several days. Today is December 19, and my injection site is still painful. The pain in my arm feels like the needle went through my bone. I was and still am fatigued. When will my joints and shoulder pain subside? This was not a pleasant experience. My daughter had shingles, and I saw how miserable she was, she had it on her back. I cannot decide whether I should encourage her to get this vaccine or not."

• Dav...
• April 22, 2018

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I was injected with the first dose as recommended by a large chain pharmacist. Before taking the dose, I asked specifically about side effects. The pharmacist said I may experience some soreness at the injection site and 'flu-like' symptoms similar to a flu shot. The pharmacist should have been more forthcoming with the side effects. I could barely lift my arm immediately after the injection. I am now on day 5 and still cannot lift my arm. On day two, I spent the night hugging the toilet. I was nauseated on day three and four, having a hard time keeping my food down. Also, on day three and four, I had 101+ fever, causing me to miss work. I called the pharmacy and talked with a different pharmacist. He said those side effects are common and if my fever lasts another day, I should contact my doctor or go to the emergency room. Of course, I should not have fallen for the pharmacy's sales tactics. Talk to your doctor first before getting this vaccine."

• Lan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 26, 2018

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "First dose given to my 93-year-old mother triggered an afib reaction (racing/irregular heart rate) along with flu-like symptoms. Doctor said it was safe, but 1 in 6 people receiving their first dose could not perform normal daily activities, and this is according to the drug maker, so it is probably much higher."

• Fle...
• September 6, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "'I took my first installment of Shingrix in Jan. '19 without much in the way of symptoms to report. A dull headache and stiffness in my neck and legs. My second injection occurred Sept. 5, 2019. The first 12 hours, not much to report. By the 24-hour mark, I'm very fatigued, stiff neck, with a general blah feeling some would identify as flu-like symptoms. Would I take the vaccine again? Oh my yes! I've witnessed those who suffer from chickenpox, shingles, get the shot!"

• 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."

• Paa...
• September 2, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Got 2nd shot 8/30/19. Arm sore, flu-like for 3 days: 2 nights of severe sweats overnight. Tired. Slight headache. Temp up to 100.8; usually run 96. Very achy. Today is the 3rd day. Feel the most 'with it' 9/2 - so far."

• Mik...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 3, 2021

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Had first Shingrix injection in the morning this past Thursday. Felt mostly okay until that night, and my neck felt really tight. Friday morning, I called in sick to work because it felt like I had the flu, but no fever. Severe body aches, joint pain, fatigue, and pounding headache. Tried ibuprofen and Tylenol (separate times), but it didn't help. Completely miserable all day. It's Saturday, and I'm going through it all again, but slightly less awful. Mostly severe body aches. I tried to mow the lawn, but it was just too much work after about 10 minutes. Back on the couch. I hope this subsides soon! I need to get the second dose in 8 weeks, which I will, but damn... This is so bad."

• Tob...
• September 3, 2018

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I had my first dose of Shingrix in June 2018. My pharmacist told me how painful the injection site may be afterwards and that I may experience flu-like symptoms. I got a pounding headache within the first few minutes. Then it hurt to move my arm. By the time I got home, I was miserable. I felt like I had the flu and crawled in bed. It was too painful to lay on the arm where I had the injection. This lasted a week, and I had a hard mass under the skin. The flu-like symptoms lasted a few days, and the headache was intermittent. After a week, I felt fine. It has been 2 1/2 months, and I returned for my second dose of the vaccine today. I really didn't want to do it, but I really don't want shingles. So far I have the headache, and my arm is killing me, but I don't have the flu-like symptoms. I hope the symptoms are milder with the second vaccine. The Shingrix vaccine reduces your chances of getting shingles by 91%, so I think the temporary discomfort is worth it."

• Poo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 2, 2020

"Had 1st shot of Shingrix on 12/30. I am a 70-year-old woman. Shot was painful. I was fine that day. The day after, I had flu-like symptoms. Yuck! I was freezing, had a headache, my arm pained, swollen, and was red. Did not have a fever, though. Now, it is itching so bad, I am using cortisone cream. I took Tylenol in the beginning, and it helped a lot. Day 3, arm still itching and red. Still felt a little off. Never felt like this before from shots. Concerned if I want to get the 2nd shot or not. Hope these shots are safe."

• Dan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 23, 2018

"Just got the 1st shot on Thursday after work. I was told to expect a sore arm and flu-like symptoms within 24 hours. That was spot on. I bought Theraflu and Advil. I took both on Thursday evening before symptoms started, and I think it helped lessen the pain. My neck is achy, and I have some congestion and a sore throat and am tired. Just rest and keep taking meds every 4 to 5 hours. I recommend getting the shot on a Thursday so there's time to rest up for 2 to 3 days if you're working, so not out. It is worth a few days of discomfort versus getting shingles. It is terribly painful!"

• bob...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 13, 2018

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "With the first shingles shot, the only side effect was a very sore arm for 3 days. Had the second shot and had flu-like symptoms, fever, headache, face was red, chills, aches, and pains. Not good, but still would rather have the shot than shingles."

• San...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 24, 2018

"Had my first dose one week ago at my doctor’s office. They played down side effects vs. risk. The injection site felt like I was punched in the arm and was very sore for 5 days. Extreme fatigue every day. Now at day 7 with flu-like symptoms, aching, chills, headache, more fatigue, and tingling scalp. Depending on how long this lasts, the jury is still out on shot #2. I have traveled extensively throughout the world and had many inoculations for third world travel. Never before had a side effect. Otherwise, a very healthy 62-year-old woman."