Shingrix and Tiredness: 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!"

• 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."

• Vet...
• April 9, 2021

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Got my first injection in November 2019. Sore arm for a couple of days, not too bad. Second injection on February 12, 2020. Not so good. Within a few hours I became very tired, nauseous, and feverish. Slept all day until that evening when my wife woke me up concerned. She began asking questions that I could not respond to. The more I delayed answering, the more concerned she became. She thought I was having a stroke. She called one of her nurse friends with my symptoms and was told to call 911 or take me to the hospital. Three days in the hospital with stroke-like symptoms. MRI, CT scans, and blood work. Released on day three as I was beginning to recover from whatever it was. Side note: I have always been allergic to bee stings. Not today though. Last week I was stung on my leg and had no reaction. I believe this was all related to the vaccine, but I’m not a doctor. P.S. the neurologist had no idea what was wrong with me."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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!"

• Hik...
• September 5, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I am a 57-year-old female, 111 lbs. Had the first shot at my doctor's office from my nurse, of Shingrix on Wed, Sept 2. The first day was very hard: extreme pain in the arm, red rash, exhaustion, malaise, confusion. Second day medium hard, today not as bad. Took pain reliever and used ice packs for 72 hours. It’s unlikely that I will do the second shot."

• Jus...
• March 9, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I’m a 61-year-old man and was finally able to get the first vaccine. I’ve been trying for months to get it after I had to cancel my trip across the country when she came down with shingles, despite the fact that she had received the earlier vaccine. I just happened to walk into a large store yesterday - I seldom shop there and didn’t know they had a pharmacy. I was delivering when I learned they had the vaccine - I immediately got it. Without question, it was a painful injection (not sure why), and my arm has hurt ever since. In addition, my arm is swollen, I feel a bit tired, and have a mild headache. I am, however, very happy that I got it. I’m not looking forward to the second injection (I’m also severely needle-phobic). I have other health conditions - especially heart issues (quadruple bypass) - but come on, people, even if you don’t feel well for a few days. In the long run, it’s a lot better than getting shingles and risking so much if you get it."

• jah...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 25, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Had my first Shingrix shot on 2/5/2020. Experienced a very sore arm for over three days. Felt like I had the flu. It has not been three weeks, and I still have pain in my arm when I lift it level or over my shoulder where the injection was. I also have swollen neck glands and feel extremely exhausted. Going for a full blood workup, but am wondering if anyone else has had this type of reaction."

• KMa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 27, 2021

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Had my first dose yesterday, 3/26/21. My provider said nothing to me about how horrible I would feel within hours. I specifically asked questions regarding side effects and was told, 'There may be some pain at the injection site.' I really hope this exhaustion, pain in my shoulder, lack of appetite, and dizziness go away. Why not be honest with their patients?"

• AAF...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 23, 2023

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I received my first Shingrix vaccine shot in November 2022, after which I experienced muscle aches. When I received the second shot on February 18, 2023, the pharmacy tech did not provide me with any information about what to expect, except for commenting that it 'should be easier' than the first shot. However, he was very wrong. I should have done my research beforehand. I received the second shot at 3:30 pm, and by 6:30 am the next morning, I felt like I had been hit by a truck. I experienced massive and constant chills, headache, exhaustion, malaise, nausea, heartburn, diarrhea, muscle aches and pains, dizziness, vertigo, sneezing, and the upper arm that had been injected was extremely sore for five consecutive days. I even developed a small rash around the vaccine injection site. These symptoms lasted for about 48 hours. Around 24 hours later, I developed a sore throat, congestion, and the sneezing returned, along with exhaustion/malaise. Even now, five days after the second Shingrix vaccine shot, I'm still not feeling well enough to resume all of my daily activities."

• 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."

• 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."

• She...
• November 29, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "54-year-old female. I received the first injection two months ago, and my arm was quite tender for a week. On Tuesday, about 8:30 a.m., I received the second injection. Throughout the day, I became more stiff and sore in my muscles and joints. I attributed it to overexertion from the weekend. Approximately 8:30 p.m., I was overcome with severe chills, exhaustion, and sweats even under four blankets. By exhaustion, I mean I literally could not get out of bed. My clothing was drenched, but I could not summon the energy to get up and change my clothing until late the next morning, about 7 a.m. I went back to bed until 2 p.m. The next afternoon, I was still taking a pain reliever for my headache. The fatigue completely shocked me. I had no idea about the potential side effects. Kind of bummed no medical staff informed me of such. I will be reporting my side effects to my doctor. Plan ahead if you are receiving this vaccine. It may take you out of commission for a few days."

• eva...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 9, 2023

"I got the shingles vaccine, and after the first dose, I almost died. Within 3 hours of having the vaccine, I started having chills, diarrhea, vomiting, and feeling very tired. I went to bed, and I felt a horrible headache, and I felt like my brain was sucked out of my head. Every part of my body started hurting so bad, like it was being cut off with a knife. I wanted to use the bathroom, vomiting in the middle of the night, and I couldn't walk, couldn't breathe, and almost fainted. All the symptoms lasted 2 days. I saw my doctor, and he prescribed some medications. I started getting better but was still very tired and weak."

• KDa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 11, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "My PCP recommended that I get the Shingrix vaccine this year - she did explain to me what side effects I might experience, and she was right: malaise, tiredness, fatigue! I also got the flu vaccine at the same time. I know it’s best to get both vaccines, but I’m leery about getting the second Shingrix vaccine in a few months."

• Bet...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 3, 2021

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I am a 71-year-old female. I took the shingles vaccine in July 2020 at CVS. I asked about side effects and was told I might experience pain at the injection site. The second day after the vaccine, I started feeling very tired, no energy, and cold, and this lasted about 5 days. The pain at the injection site was nasty. My arm was red, hot, swollen, and extremely painful. This lasted for the next 3 weeks to a point of waking me in my sleep if I moved. In addition, one week after the injection, I had a colitis attack. I am not taking the second injection."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 28, 2024

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Has caused large red, itchy, painful swelling at injection site, still symptomatic 12 days later. Have also felt very tired and slept more. Unsure about having 2nd dose now, as doesn't report this lasting so long in any of the literature."

• she...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 15, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Just had the second dose yesterday. I remember feeling bad after the first dose, but this time it is worse. Fever, chills, achy, tired, headache - had to leave work and came home and slept for hours. I know it's a great vaccine and very effective, so glad I got it, but I think they should be more upfront with the possible severe reactions."

• Daw...
• December 28, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Review the fist of two Shingrix injections. I felt fuzzy between the ears, nausea, and a little dizzy. This happened after 8 hours. Chills/night sweats. Woke up the next day and felt fine. For the second injection, I had a sore, hard lump at the injection site, about the size of a silver dollar. Warm to the touch. 12 hours later it was time to go to bed. Fuzzy between the ears, tired. Slight nausea. I am a retired nurse, and this discomfort is nothing compared to patients who are in pain for weeks with shingles. Would do again if needed."

• Jew...
• February 9, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Horrible experience with extreme muscle pain, headache, nausea, and exhaustion. I could not move for days, just bedridden, sensitive to light, and now my eyes feel like something is in them, irritating me as they are irritating me. I pray for relief from the pain and health to return. So a horrible experience, and I cannot express how much this has hurt and damaged my belief in our medical community that this product is supposed to be endorsed by the government... be thoughtful about this choice to be injected with this..."

• 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."

• bec...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 5, 2018

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Please read people's reactions to this drug before getting it. I talked to my doctor, who said minimal side effects are posted by the CDC, and because I’m so susceptible to shingles, I decided to do it. I got the first injection on July 27th, the most painful injection I’ve ever had. I could barely move my arm, and it was hard reaching for a box of cereal in my pantry! I had weird pin-like pricks, headaches, and itching on my scalp when I had a breakout 9-10 months ago, but let me tell you it was moderate. Now it feels like I’m being electrocuted in different parts of my body, pain inside my mouth, in my ears, my upper shoulder blades, sore throat, tiredness, and all-over achiness. It's like this shot has fired up my nerves where I’ve had shingles before. I'm not getting the second one. For those of you contemplating this shot, make sure you are absent of any post-therapeutic neuralgia pain because this shot could stimulate the pain and symptoms, and it is horrifying. I wish I would have read here first before I got this shot."