Jeez, what a thing!My wife and I had our second yesterday, it was worse than the first. We spent last night in the ER because she was having heart palpitations, we're off to a follow up in a half hour. It probably didn't help that, when returning from the shot, she rode her bicycle like a madwoman for 40 minutes in 90 degree heat. The woman just doesn't get that she's 60.

The first shot was the only vaccine that has ever messed with me. I felt vaguely ill for several days afterwards.

I haven't taken the second shot yet.

And I'm very sure that her on the bike didn't help At All !

I have had both shots of Shingrix with no problems. I got a mild case of shingles, even though I had gotten the first vaccine which was approved, Zostavax. Longitudinal studies of Shringix suggest better immunity from outbreaks.

Even the mild case of shingles was miserable. I was on antivirals almost immediately and it did lessen the severity. Even if I had to visit the ER with tachycardia, I would prefer it over a case of shingles.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: ZSMICHAEL,

Having supported people with shingles, I agree that the ailment sucks. Just be prepared for the possibility the vaccine has some pretty serious side effects for some people. I'm glad it didn't for you.

I had side effects on both the first and second shots. Felt like I had the flu in general/soreness/fatigue but the pain in the arm that received the shot was quite surprising. Very sore and exercising it didn't help much. Inoculation area was red and inflamed and stayed that way about four days.
About the sixth day everything went back to normal...
I have heard the side effects for some can be worse-

My wife and I just had our two shots, the last one last month and the first three months before that. We were fortunate in that we both just felt mildly under the weather for a day after the first, and had a (very) sore arm for a few days after the second. Small price to pay for prevention against what I understand is a pretty miserable condition to have.

quote:

Originally posted by at-home-daddy:
My wife and I just had our two shots, the last one last month and the first three months before that. We were fortunate in that we both just felt mildly under the weather for a day after the first, and had a (very) sore arm for a few days after the second. Small price to pay for prevention against what I understand is a pretty miserable condition to have.

About the exact same response I had. First shot had me feeling "off" for a couple of days and the second shot gave me a wicked sore shoulder for another few days. But my dad had a bought of shingles and I saw what he went through. No thanks.

I had my "first" shot about a week ago, other than the very sore arm, I did not have any other issues. Although, after reading the replies here, makes me a bit leery about getting the second shot in about 2 months time. My mother in-law had shingles, and described it as the worst experience of her life, so I want to avoid it - even if I have to have some "side effects". When my mother in-law describes something painful, I pay attention - my wife is one of seven children!

I guess I just have to take my chances.

My doc says no vaccinations, not flu, not shingles, because Guillain Barré.

I'm 13 weeks out from a Shingles outbreak...

I still have pain.

I never thought about getting a shot because, well.... I'm superman and it will never happen to me

I got my first Shingrix shot about 45 days ago. I had soreness for about a week. My running routine has suffered since. My legs will feel like their filled with lead after short sprints. After seeing what shingles did to my grandfather and know many people afflicted, I'll put up with the side effects.

My dermatololgist explained that your reaction depends on the state of your immune system. She was not addressing allergic issues. She went on to indicate that as you age, the state or your immune system declines. Patients in their mid to late 70s have little to no reaction to the vaccine.

I have read that the vaccine is only about 51 percent effective. People that get a reaction have weaken immune systems.

Most people have low levels of vitamin D3 which is the primary prevention of cancer. As you move further from the equator, the levels of vitamin D3 drop.

They now know what causes us to age and I think within the next ten years or less, they will know how to live past a 100. They are now starting studies to determine the best dosage to prevent anti-aging.

quote:

Originally posted by 41:
I have read that the vaccine is only about 51 percent effective. People that get a reaction have weaken immune systems.

Most people have low levels of vitamin D3 which is the primary prevention of cancer. As you move further from the equator, the levels of vitamin D3 drop.

They now know what causes us to age and I think within the next ten years or less, they will know how to live past a 100. They are now starting studies to determine the best dosage to prevent anti-aging.

I believe Shingrix is touted at 90% effective, vs. the old vaccine which was 50% effective.

^^^^^^^
You are right:

Why the latest shingles vaccine is more than 90 percent effective

Date: March 7, 2018
Source: Westmead Institute for Medical Research
Summary: A new study has shown how the body's immune system responds to the new shingles vaccine, Shingrix, making it more than 90 percent effective at protecting against the virus.

By age 85, approximately 50% of the population will develop shingles. Vaccination is the only way to protect against shingles.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/r.../03/180307095243.htm

My first shot wasn’t bad. The second was 4 days of a sore arm and feeling washed out. Yes, the pharmacist warned me the second shot would be noticeable.

After the second shot I felt flu like symptoms but only for a day. Guess I lucked out.

 
I had only a slight tenderness at the injection site for both shots. There seems to be a wide variety of reactions.

I had shingles back in 2004 (IIRC). Started with an itching, slightly burning sensation on my left eye on a Friday night.

It was misdiagnosed as a stye at a walk in clinic the next day and by Monday morning the pain was significant in various places on my left side and left eye. My wife, an ANRP at the VA, saw the areas (yeah, stupid me, I'd suffered in silence) and headed me out to my Primary VA doc who did what could be done. About 4 weeks later, I was over the episode.

It really stunk! I missed almost two weeks of work-never, ever had that happen before.

Because of my age and medical conditions, I was a candidate for the stinking stuff to return, so I had the first generation vaccine against shingles. I later learned I needed to take the Shingrix to be "sure." I got them at the VA and the first was a bit more painful than the normal "shot." My arm was a bit "sore" but not a big deal.

The second shot hurt less, but my arm was a bit more sore, kinda like when a classmate (you remember that little jerk, don't you?) "frogged" you in your arm.

The bottom line, the shots weren't a big deal for me and the recollection of the pain and discomfort made me prepared for the vaccine and possible side effects in order to avoid a redo of the stinking shingles.

Bob

quote:

Originally posted by ZSMICHAEL:
She went on to indicate that as you age, the state or your immune system declines. Patients in their mid to late 70s have little to no reaction to the vaccine.

Me, late 70's, had super sore arm, first night had chills, sweats and fever, and felt like crap next day. Then ok except for the sore arm.