CDC Warns Of Errors In Giving Shingrix Shingles Vaccines

Irvin Jackson

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Federal health experts are warning about the risk of problems with Shingrix, GlaxoSmithKline’s shingles vaccine, indicating that errors have been reported in recent months due to confusion between the new drug and its older competitor, Zostavax. 

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a report this week in its Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), highlighting the number of adverse event reports submitted in recent months involving Shingrix administration errors.

Shingrix (recombinant zoster vaccine; RZV) is a new GlaxoSmithKline shingles vaccine that was just placed on the market in October 2017. It is only approved for adults age 50 and older, and is one two shingle vaccines that are currently approved in the United States. The other is Merck’s Zostavax (zoster vaccine live; ZVL).

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The report indicates that 155 reports were submitted to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System during the first four months Shingrix was available, including at least 13 problems with Shingrix administration. According to the findings, nine of those errors were because the drug was administered in a single subcutaneous dose, instead of as a 2-dose intramuscular injection, which is how the vaccine should be given. The single subcutaneous dose is how Zostavax is administered, suggesting confusion among doctors.

All but one of those patients suffered injection site reactions, including pain, erythema, and pruritus.

In two cases, patients were given the vaccine information statement for Zostavax instead of for Shingrix, and not instructed to return for their second dose, which also suggests whoever administered the vaccine thought they were giving the patients Zostavax, or thought that Shingrix worked the same way.

In the other four cases, the patients given the vaccine were younger than the minimum age of 50, for which the vaccine is approved.

The CDC researchers suggest that early monitoring indicates that the vaccine providers are confused over administration procedures, and storage requirements of Shingrix. Nine of the 13 vaccine administration errors occurred in a pharmacy, while two happened in a health care provider’s office, and two occurred at unknown sites.

“To prevent RZV administration errors, vaccine providers should be aware of prescribing information, storage requirements, preparation guidelines, and (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) recommendations for herpes zoster vaccines,” the CDC report recommends.

Shingles Vaccine Problems

The report comes amid concerns over the potential side effects of Zostavax, another shingles vaccine that was introduced in May 2006. Merck now faces a growing number of Zostavax lawsuits, which claim that the drug not only fails to protect against shingles as advertised, but actually causes a more persistent strain of the infection.

According to allegations raised in dozens of product liability lawsuits filed over the shingles vaccine, Merck used an under attenuated live strain of the varicella zoster virus (VZV) in Zostavax, which was not weakened enough to prevent reactivation of the virus. Instead of the body developing the proper immune response, the live virus combined with the old virus in some users, resulting in a more virulent strain of shingles.

Zostavax sales have fallen sharply in recent years, while Shingrix sales have far surpassed original projections, with full year sales now projected to exceed $600 million for the new drug.

Shingles is caused by the same virus, varicella zoster, which causes chickenpox. Later in life, the virus can be reactivated and cause shingles, which is a painful rash that usually appears as a stripe of blisters on the body. Pain can continue even after the rash is gone, which is known as postherpetic neuralgia.

Shingles itself can cause scarring, bacterial infections, encephalitis, hearing loss, vision problems and other complications.

Written by: Irvin Jackson

Senior Legal Journalist & Contributing Editor

Irvin Jackson is a senior legal and investigative journalist with more than 30 years of experience covering complex issues at the intersection of law, politics, and environmental policy. He began his reporting career in 1991 after graduating from Wayne.

Tags: GlaxoSmithKline, Merck, Pharmacy Error, Shingles, Shingrix, Vaccine, Zostavax

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130 Comments

norm
I had a single Shingrix shot on Oct 21,19 during a routine physical. I was not told there would be a second shot. At the time, I was a very physically fit 60 year old who swam two miles three times a week, no drinking, no drugs. Within a week of the shot I lost all use of my right arm. I regained much of its use but a month later lost all of my left arm function and everything below the waist. I was subsequently diagnosed with transverse myelitis and have been unable to stand or walk ever since.
Nancy
I got my first vaccine at cvs. The pharmacist gave it IM and I had a little soreness but nothing else. Yesterday I went back for my second vaccine. The pharmacist started to give it to me subcutaneous and I told him that I had the first one IM. He said no, you get it subcutaneously. The second he pushed it in my arm started burning. Now it is a large red swollen warm area where it was put it. It also has a knot in the red area. I’m really upset as I’ve also been getting very dizzy. I don’t know what to do.
Jennifer
I was ill with fever and chills my first injection but on my second injection of shingrix I was severely ill with a massive headache, severe body aches, fever for about 36 hours, injection site pain, and fatigue. It was horrific. It was like flu on steroids. I am a nurse and I could not have imagined I could feel that ill from a vaccination.
Lisa
I went for my yearly physical on 10/22/20. At the end of the visit my doctor recommended the Shingrix shot, flu shot and tetanus booster. I agreed to the Shingrix and Tetanus. I never take the flu shot. Had I known the hell I was in for, I would never had had the Shingrix. Within hours my arm was aching….then the chills, fever and body aches came. I work up to lesions covering the inside of my mouth, within hours started to feel discomfort when urinating. Turns out I developed lesions on my labia. I’m a healthy 57 year old woman in a steady faithful relationship. I could barely sit without pain for a week. Went back to the medical center where I was given an exam and was tested for herpes since that’s how it looked apparently. The test came back negative (which I knew it would). I was given anti viral meds. Also took some nerve numbing medication for shingles. Thankfully all the lesions just disappeared as fast as they came. However, I lost a week of work, questioned my amazing relationship due to feeling like a leper at the doctor and never felt so sick. It was Lot# YZ325. I believe this should be addressed. I can’t be the only one.
Carol
The pharmacist at the Kingsway Publix Store, Sue Le, administered the shot. She kept ramming and ramming and ramming my arm. The pain I have experienced from her performance, or I should say lack of, has put my left arm into severe, horrifying pain. There was no reason for her to do to me what she did. I have had to take prescription pain pills for my arm pain and anti inflammatory pills.
Valerie
I received the Shindrex vaccine in one dose on Oct.30th. A week later I experienced severe pain on my left posterior back radiating down to my hip. Nov.14 the raised blisters rash appeared and I was diagnosed with shingles in a medicentre. I am now on antiviral medication and have to take T3’s and Ketoralac to manage the pain.
Larissa
I just got my Shingrix booster at age 52. After the 1st shot, two months ago, I felt under the weather for a day or so. But this time along with the general malaise, I’ve got other symptoms. It’s 3 days after the 2nd vaccine booster and I’m having sharp pains off and on in my left ear. (Same side I got shot in). I’ve never in my adult life had ear pain. Or any physical problems really. Hoping it’ll go away on its own. Also the roof of my mouth on left side is sore and ulcerated. And generally feeling tired. The ear pain is concerning me the most as I’ve never had that before, nor do I have a cold or allergies.
Eileen
Five days after the Shingrix vaccine my left shoulder started hurting and it is still very painful. It has been 11 days now. I can’t raise my arm without crying. This sucks! I also felt like I was getting sick day 4 and had red itchy skin where they gave me the shot. I hope it improves or I don’t know what I’ll do.
Valorie
I received the shingles vaccine at the Lansing VA during a doctor visit for a different reason. The nurse talked me into getting the vaccine due to the possible pain of shingles. I have had chicken pox in the past. That evening my tongue swelled some. The next two days i was in horrible pain all over my body. On the following day, a Monday, I called the VA. The pain was still in my legs. The pain has remained in my legs ever since. I was advised by my pcp not to take the 2nd part. I’m not an anti-vaccer. I am a veteran who had a much better quality of life prior to this vaccine.
Lyle
I’m a 75 year old man, I had the original shingles shot almost twenty years ago and never had shingles. On October 2, 2020 I was talked into getting the new improved shingles shot Shingrix. I’m very healthy don’t smoke or drink with perfect blood pressure. Two days after receiving this shot I felt terrible, The shot was given to me on my right shoulder and was very painful for several days. Two days after receiving this shot the muscle in the right side of my back was hurting, I went to my chiropractor that Monday four days after receiving the shingles shot and not knowing why my back was hurting so bad, two days later Wednesday it was hurting worse and went back to my chiropractor and didn’t resolve my issue! That night Wednesday/ Thursday 3 AM my back and spine was broken out with shingles. I was able to make Dr. appointment that morning and before I came in he checked to see if there was any data on people getting shingles after receiving this shot produced by GSK he said there was any data. He confirmed I had shingles and put me on Valtrx and Gapentetin. Here I am 10 days later after getting that shot on my right shoulder and I’m having to deal with shingles and unbearable nerve pain down my right thigh and up my right chest 24/7 this is not a coincidence like they want you to believe. And after reading all these stories similar to mine GSK has a legal problem and I’m going to file a lawsuit pain and suffering and fraud. I can’t believe how I was duped into getting this poison injected into my body with the potential of lingering nerve pain that could last for months or even years.
Susan
I had the Shingrix vaccine on 10/7/20 at Sam’s Club.I was not given a handout or told of any possible adverse effects. About 6 hours after receiving the vaccine I started feeling terrible. I had chills, shivering, fever, weakness, severe headache, dizziness and difficulty walking or moving. I was completely bed bound and slept around the clock. On 10/9/20 I was still feeling weak and like I had a terrible case of flu. In the early afternoon I had a sudden onset of tachycardia and went to the ER. I was diagnosed with paroxysmal Afib. It resolved on its own, but I was admitted to the hospital. I was discharged late in the evening the next day and am having to take Metropylol to prevent a recurrence of Afib.Today is 10/11/20 and I still feel terrible with headache & profound weakness & dizziness leaving me bedbound. I have never had any cardiac issues and have been in excellent health at age 64. I will not get the second dose & I am concerned these adverse effects may cause permanent damage to my health. I would never have agreed to the Shingrix vaccine if I’d been told of possible adverse side effects.
David
I received a Shingrix vaccine on the day of my physical, which was stellar for a man of 61 years old. I do not smoke, drink, have never done drugs and do not take any medications for any underlying health conditions. I took the 1st shot on 8/17/20, and on 8/27/20 began having pain in my legs. The next day I began having several falls and by that afternoon was unable to walk. I was admitted to the hospital and diagnosed with Gullien-Barre Syndrome. I am waiting to be transfers to an acute care rehabilitation facility and my recovery if successful may take several weeks, months, or even years. I was definitely affected by this vaccine in a terrible way, and I do not remember being told GSB was a possible side-effect.
Maxine
Got the new shingles vaccine first dose .I got it August 21/20. I had a sore arm at injection site . That has subsided , however I got dome rash and extreme itching a week later . I’ve have been fatigued and have body aches . The itchy is waking me I middle of night . I hope these side effects go away soon !
laura
I had my vaccinations yesterday I woke up and thought I was dying from the Corona virus have never experienced so much pain and fever and chills I am so upset that I did it I have side effects of Most medications IDK why the doctor would give it to me
Ginny
I underwent my first shot of shingrix in May and had some side effects. I hv a high tolerance so could handle it. 3 months passed and I underwent my 2nd shot. Wow it gave me very terrible body ache which was like bone pain even in my thumbs, fingers and toes and I had a very difficult night with pain and chills. Took Tylenol for a few days to deal with it but it’s been day 5 and I still feel lethargic and on and off headaches which gives me a feeling of malaise. I used to exercise daily and walk for 45 mins every day or play tennis prior to the 2nd shot, but somehow I am feeling like too strained to do it since. I am not sure why and I hope this wears off soon.
Therese
I got my first dose of Shingrix about a month ago at the Pharmacy. I did get a mild case of shingles on my left side. I also had extreme fatigue for three days. My injection site was originally red, hard and sore. That evolved into itching and a small pimple. To this day the site is hard, warm and deep inside the middle of deltoid I have tenderness to my elbow. Also when using my arm I will experience a deep stabbing pain in the same area. I am afraid to get the second dose. I have had my warning with the problems I have experienced to date. I hope nothing more serious happens to me.
Roseline
I had the shingle vaccine august 8th .Iam not going for the 2nd dose in sept 2020.I had terrible migraine headace fatigue no appetite up to this present moment I feel sick sleep and sleep.Several red spot patches under both arm pit also my hands itching .The left side I got vaccine itch swollen very painful.I got dizzy spell.Iam so worried .Dont like the way I feel.still have the terrible headace .Iam diabetic
Roseline
I had the shingle vaccine august 8th .Iam not going for the 2nd dose in sept 2020.I had terrible migraine headace fatigue no appetite up to this present moment I feel sick sleep and sleep
Deborah
I went to my PCP for an annual check up back in September 2019 and was advised that I should get the shingles vaccination, being over 50 years old. The office didn’t have the vaccination available, so I was advised that I could go into my local pharmacy to get the vaccination. I went to the pharmacy on October 3rd and received the Shingrix vaccination, and of course was never told or read in the information what happened to me next…3 days later, I was in full blown shingles. I went to the ER because I was experiencing chest pains and a blister on my back started forming. I was told that I had contracted the shingles. The shingles covered the ban around my upper back/chest area, I was in excruciating pain due to this outbreak. I am still, to this day, experiencing post neuralgia pain and it affects my lifestyle tremendously.
Eyob
I had Shingrix vaccine in October 2019 and the second one in March this year. Since I had this vaccine my vision decreased and I have some other issues with my eyes. I go for a check up every year and when I was at my eye doctor last year April every thing was fine with my eyes. I know that Zostavax created a lot of health issues, Shingrix maybe has also some side effects.
Lane
First of all i am NOT an “anti-vaxxer” person that fabricates stories about reactions to vaccinations etc. I am a perfectly healthy 56 year old active male. I recently went in to my pcp for my annual physical. He suggested the shingles vaccine. Explained it is a 2 part deal will have some discomfort at the injection site blah blah blah. Sure, sounds reasonable plus i have seen what my 82 year old Mother has gone through with shingles outbreaks recently. So the nurse administers the first vaccine. It was a little uncomfortable but nothing unbearable. Arm a little sore that evening, took some ibuprofen went to bed. Woke up about 2am chills, vomiting, every joint aching and a 102 fever. This lasted about 36 hrs. Not sure if i will go back for the 2nd round!!
Heidi
My 88 year old female friend had Shingrix shot in December & had horrible mouth ulcers for weeks. She could barely drink water & broth due to the pain, but we couldn’t figure out what it was & Dr’s had no remedy. One Dr literally shrieked when she looked in her mouth! She just got the 2nd shot a few weeks ago & they came back a few days later. That’s when we figured it out!
Stacey
My mom was given the first dose of Shingrix. Two months later, she contracted a viral ear infection- lab tests showed this virus was related to the shingles virus (?)… Her inner ears were so inflamed she lost 100% of her hearing in less than a day and had to be hospitalized for months with a wackload of other symptoms seemingly coming up out of nowhere. Diabetes type II, diabetes inspidus, pituitary gland tumour, lung nodule, and finally vasculitis. Treatment for the vasculitis was chemo (free), or an expensive alternative with fewer side effects… no brainer for our family. Forked out the money but there’s no guarantee that this treatment would cure the disease. However, it was considered superior to the chemo. If it doesn’t cure the vasculitis she has to do another round of it. [Aside: met a lady at the hospital drug administration unit during the first treatment dose. This lady had the same vasculitis disease as my mom and she takes this expensive drug every few years as maintence…]. 12% of her hearing came back, and she’ll be getting cataract removal surgery soon to remove the cataracts that grew insanely thick after all the high dose steroid treatments she’s had to be on. More money being forked out due to coverage for only the most basic treatment. Again, no brainer because the woman has been through enough.
On to the game
This is an unmoderated comment section filled with unsubstantitated injury claims. Anti-vaxxers seek out these forums to post messages claiming all sort of horrific injuries caused by a vaccine to scare people. The majority of these complaints are far-fetched and unattributable to the 2-part shingrix injection.
Michael
Visited doctor for physical to receive diabetic meds. Doctor said I need the shingles vaccine. I told her not to give me anything that will mess me up. She said all I will feel is a slight headache and gave me a Shingrix shot. The next day I felts bad all day. Flu symptoms that night. Next day started itching in a few places. That night hives started covering my body. I have been fighting hives for three days. I hope this ends soon.
Steve
Have hip surgery just four months ago before taking the Shingrix vaccine. It caused high fever and severe pain at the inner upper thigh joint area of the operative leg. Feel as bad as joint dislocation. Talked to doctor and no one seem to know of such side effect so far.
Paul
My wife had a second vaccine and three hours later suffered a massive hemorrhage stroke
Patricia
2 weeks after receiving my 2nd Shingrix vaccine I developed debilitating joint pain to my L shoulder and bilateral knees. It came on suddenly and it’s progressively getting worse. I was seen by my orthopedic MD who could find nothing on the x rays. I walk everyday 3-6 miles and now I am basically bed bound. I did not put 2 and 2 together since it did not appear immediately after the injection. I was not warned of this. I would risk my chances with the shingles if i had known of this pain. It is life changing with no relief in sight. My MD was not aware of this side effect either. When I researched the side effects I have found on here the horrible stories.
Charles
I have a horrendous story to tell of what the Shingrix vaccine has done to me. (CDC says I’m the one in 6) Did not have a problem , it was recommended by my General MD and my life has been a physical hell the last 1 1/2 years with boils appearing all over my body where there are lymph nodes .
Cecil
I received the first Shingrix shot on 15 Jan 2020 and my arm ached a month with flu-type symptoms, three weeks later my hands and knees developed arthritis swelling and pain barely managed with ibuprofen. That faded and I developed a few episodes of moderate sciatica which subsided around the end of March. This past week the sciatica returned with debilitating pain (10 of 10) and resulted in a medical teleconference due to Covid-19. After recovering from the last event and with hindsight today I realized the source of my problems. I will not be getting the second shot.
Donna
I got my 1st shot of shingex on November 19 2019. Not long after that started having issues with not having contol of relieving myself and some really serious back pain. I couldn’t make it to the bathroom in time on many occasions. I had to just wet on the floor beside my bed. I started keeping towels by my bedside. And while trying to keep a somewhat normal routine, I would just mess myself. Could not control my bowels. I assumed it was from by back issues…swelling, etc not having room inside from the swelling and full bowels and bladder. I did not tell anyone because I was embarrassed. Now to the back pain. I have had sciatic issues before but not this extreme. This was around Thanksgiving and Christmas, I called my neurologist, I received 3 shots to help with the pain. Hardly touched the pain i was having. Finally I coul not get any more shots. The doctor ordered exrays and MRI’S. They saw a cloudy area near my spine. They really didn’t know what it was…som w kind of infection. They would not prescribe any meds until more test to determine what kind of infection. Finally got a antibiotic that would cover most any infection. Went back for more MRI’S , the cloudy area was gone. I was told it could been several different things nothing definite. I was told that I gave spinal stenosis. I had tons if blood work looking for cancer, etc. Nothing. I cannot even start to explain how much pain I was in. It was cramping muscles and would not stop. Felt kinda like someone had hold of my nerve and rubbing it together with sandpaper. I have cried and cried at home, nights, days, while at work..all the time. The major pain is gone after the antibiotics, but I still have pain in my lower buttocks. I didn’t put 2 and 2 together until I read an article on the shingles vaccine.
Michael
I received my first shingles (shingrix) shot towards the end of August 2019. On our way down to Kentucky to visit our daughter a few days later, my legs began to develop red spots. This continued to worsen over the next several days, and I ended up going to a hospital emergency department in Lexington soon after we arrived. This turned into vasculitis and I had open sores on both legs, especially around my ankles. I had bandages on both legs for over three months. Along with that I had neuropathy (that pins and needles feeling) in both legs and it was very painful. The neuropathy finally went away, but after the sores healed (these looked like something out of a forensic pathologist’s book), it left reddish scars that I still have. I called the attorneys who are handling the class action suit, but nobody every returned my call. Needless to say, I did not get my second shot, as it’s administered in two stages.
Wendy
I received the first Shingrix vaccine in early November of 2019. Two weeks later to the day I completely lost hearing in my left ear. I have horrible tinnitus as well. I have been to an ENT specialist who prescribed oral steroids as well as steroid injections. I am still deaf in my left ear. I am writing this in April of 2020. I am 58 years old. This has been especially traumatic because I am a retired Language teacher. I currently work as an ESL tutor at a public middle school. This job brings me purpose and joy. I hope and pray that I will be able to continue.
Laura
I had my first Shingrix in my left arm in May 2019. I had the expected side effects of fatigue and sore arm which I signed a consent acknowledging side effects. The sore arm has never gone away and now seems worse with numbness and tingling and limited range of motion due to pain in the bicep area. Maybe the needle went into the bicep instead of the deltoid or maybe the needle hit the tendon beneath. I don’t know. I feel a lump on the surface of the bicep. External rotation of my left arm is excruciatingly painful. My second Shingrix was in the right arm in August – no symptoms at all. Why would I have a sore arm for months and then a flare up like this????
Maggie
I received this injection October 2019. My life has been a living hell since then. My deltoid is still sore with a knot in it, after the injection it was pie-left and swollen for 8 weeks. I had flu like symptoms for 3 days with temp of 103-104 degrees, nausea, aching all over. Then to my shagrin I starting getting burning and tingling in my feet and sudden, severe low back pain. I now have constant ringing and buzzing in both ears and a strange vibration throughout my body. I am being evaluated now for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. I would rather have the shingles! If I could go back in time I would never get this shot, what’s left of my life is a nightmarish hell! I am having to postpone neurologist evaluation until Coronavirus crisis has passed. I am having blurred vision and other visual disturbances. The numbness is in both feet but particularly great toe and second toe and the muscle twitching feels like electrical impulses traveling in my calves and feet. Do not get this shot! Has died down.
John
I had shingles in 2007, and did not want to have them again, so I was eager to get the new shingles vaccine. My pharmacy finally had availability in January, so I had the first shot one week before my 74th birthday, the 20th. On the 22nd, while showering, I felt the equivalent of an electric shock in my right ear, and I suffered a sudden hearing loss. My otorhinolaryngologist put me on steroids, which reduced the hearing loss temporarily, but did not restore full hearing. After the hearing loss seemed to worsen, he put me on a virus suppressant, which again seemed to help while I was on it. Now the hearing loss continues, accompanied by loud tinnitus in that ear, and may be spreading to my left ear. As a semi-professional musician, I would much rather have shingles again than lose my hearing in either ear, much less both. Nothing warned against such a potential side effect, but testimonies on this site make clear it may be one.
Daniel
I got my shingrix shot over month ago. The first night woke up with chills and flu like symptoms which lasted for a couple days-also stinging fingers–sore arm/shoulder,weird muscle aches.. I still have shoulder pain now after a month!!and stiff neck.. I am 66 ,not on any meds.I do yoga ,exercise, work out ,ride my bike and now massage my shoulder.. I wish I had read up on the side effects. hopefully the shoulder pain will go away.I appear to be one of the lucky ones without more serious side effects so far….I will NOT get the second shot…
josephine
I had no problem with first shingle shot had second one can’t hardly lift my left arm biggest problem my neck I have to hold it straight or pain shoots up back of neck been like this four days
laurieann
I had my 1st and only Shingrx Vaccince 6/26./2019 no reaction at first. I had a stroke on 12/11/2019 with no none health risk ! is it possible that the vaccince had something to do with it ? Had to get TPA to break up the clot ended up in ICU. All follow up test have be negative for heart issuse , clotting , vascular, neuro. lost the whole right side of by body. Has this happen to anyone else ? Nobody can give me answer. Thank You
Teresa
My husband, who walked 2 miles a day and lifted weights three times a week at our local gym, contracted shingles 8 days after receiving the second Shingrex vaccination. He had varicella encephalitis two days later. Within two weeks, he got two brain bleeds. He was in two hospitals, and three rehab facilities but had been 3 months now and he still can’t walk, his bladder function is not under control, and he is unable to continue working. We also had to forgo a cruise to South America and Viking would not reimburse us on anyway.
Art
I recieved the Shingrix vaccine Oct 18 2019 and after 3 visits to the ER it was deterimined I had Shingles. After the 3rd day I had the Rash down my right arm and hand. I was treated with the antibiotics and after a few weeks the rash went away but the pins and needles pain has continued to this day. I have other symptoms including the feeling of frozen Toes in both feet, My vision in both eye’s has gotten worse and my overall nervous condition has forced me to quit my retirement job two weeks ago and two years earlier than I planned. I will not be getting the 2nd dose. A report was sent to shingrix about my situation but they have not yet responded.
Eileen
I received my first shingrex shot on May 23, 2019 with no side effects the second one I received on July 24. 2019. The second one has given me problems since getting it my arm was sore for weeks. The night I received the shot I was paralyzed in my bed when I could finally wake up I could barely stand up. I have never felt so horrible in my life my legs and every part of my body was weak and to this day I have not regained my strength back.
Tanya
Dad age 68 got his 1. shingrix vaccine end of Oct 2019. 10 days later the armpit lymph node grew to the size of an apple. End up in ER due to stomach pain and arm pit ‘apple’. ER too CT said other lymph nodes enlarged. Recommended PET scan. In meanwhile, the armpit lymph node started leaking water for 2-3 days and the size and pain went down. PET scan reveled some radioactive trace uptake. And recommended thyroid ultrasound and hematologist for blood test. Thyroid ultrasound at 1. hospital reveled L 9 mm nodule, R 11 mm nodule (needs biopsy). Went to 2. hospital (after 1 wk). Took another ultrasound, L 7 mm nodule (too small to biopsy), R nodule VANISHED. 1. hospital fudged the results by playing with the ultrasound contrast. We went to the 2. hospital for evaluation of possible low grade lymphoma. No symptoms, no history of cancer, no fever, no rash, all blood work NORMAL even leukocytes normal and even went down from 1590 to 1300 in 2-3 weeks. Docs are covering up the shingrix side effects. Shingrix its a gift that keeps on giving to the Medical Industrial Complex.
Lynda
Received the Shingrix vaccine on January 21, 2020. I have had chronic muscle aches in my arms, legs and neck since that time and chronic tiredness. I have had back pain that was at a level 2-3 and is now a 10 since this vaccine. I will not get the second dose. Hope all of this goes away and is not permanent.
MV
Had Flu like symptoms and my arm was very soar, also my Sciatica was so painful for almost 2 weeks…At this point I choose not to have the second vaccine and still have a bruise from the first one..had a hard time breathing, vision was totally impaired and f..k this!!! Lost the desire to not having the itch!
Thomas
I got the first of two vaccine shots for Shingles on January 6th, 2020 and it did make my arm a little sore for a couple of days but nothing unusual. Then a couple weeks later I noticed that my tongue felt off, kind of numb, a few days later I started getting a pain here and there under my right ear, it was a semi severe pain but it only lasted for what seemed maybe 5 to 10 seconds and would go away. A few days later on the 27th my tongue felt even more numb, it was affecting my taste ability. It all seemed like no big deal and that it would go away at some point. Unfortunately this hasn’t been the situation, the following day on the 28th I did some errands, came home and made dinner and everything was fine. Then about an hour later I started to notice that my lips felt kind of numb and things didn’t feel right so I called a 24 hour nurse for a phone evaluation. She told me to get to an emergency room so I did and they were quick to get me in, my symptoms (I was told later) mimicked a possible stroke. I was admitted and run through a number of tests and seen by a number of doctors and admitted into the hospital. The end result was that I have Bell’s Palsy. This is the worst thing I have had to deal with… the right side of my face is somewhat paralyzed and my speech is impaired. Since I left the hospital my speech has gotten worse. Could all this be a side effect of the shingles vaccine? I don’t know for sure but a doctor said that it’s possible, they all kept asking if I had been sick with any kind of cold or virus but I generally never get sick. So now I’m hoping that I’m one of lucky ones that recovers from this and I’m trying to stay positive but it’s tough when I dwell on the thought of the idea that this could be permanent. At this point I can only wait day by day and hope that there will be future improvements. So it’s extremely doubtful that I will get the second part of shingles vaccine. I will try and post an update in the future of my recovery.
Denise
Had shingles years ago and got the Zostavax vaccine. The only side effect was a sore arm. Got the 1st new RZV shot in early November. Had 3 colds in December. Got my second RZV January 8, 2020. As I was given the shot I felt it travel up to my neck. I have had very sore muscles all over and chills. Also very fatigued last nite but couldn’t sleep until 4 am. Woke up this morning and went to the restroom an had blood in my urine. (I am 69 years old). Anyone else have this reaction?
Sara
I was a healthy 76 year old female, not on any medication AT ALL. This vaccine was highly recommended by my PCP. Received the 1st Shingrix vaccination in Jan 2019, by the end of the month I could not even lift my arm to put deodorant on, throbbing pain at 10+, unable to sleep at night, numbness in hand and fingers, along with extreme fatigue. I suffer with pain up and down my neck. I was diagnosed with “frozen shoulder”. I had to start wearing garments I could put on without using both arms. Received booster in 4/19 on other arm. I have had to see Neurologist, have CAT scan, be in PT for three months, see an Ortho for cortisone. I was given a a prescription of gabapentin (a habit forming medication). My range of motion is very, very limited now. As of today’s date I am scheduled for carpal tunnel surgery 1/6/20. Before this vacation, I had a yearly check up for the past nine years- that’s it! This vaccine is deadly! I also am contacting the CDC regarding this faulty vaccine! #MASS TORT!
Cynthia
I was Vaccinated for shingles in September. About 12 hours later I woke up in the middle of the night with serious bed spins and Vertigo such that I began vomiting. I was unable to walk sit up straight or even stand. I was eventually diagnosed with Labyrinthitis. The cause of which was the introduction of the shingles virus which has introduced itself to my brain causing lack of balance. For the 1st couple of months I was almost unable to do anything. I am 57 years old and I am extremely active and healthy. However now I feel like I’m totally disabled. While it has gotten somewhat better there are days when I can’t even get off the couch. Here it is December and I’m still fighting this illness because of us simple vaccine that I was told I needed because I’m over 50. It’s been terrible absolutely terrible living through this period and I’m told it might take an entire year before in better. I hope that I am able to return to my active ways however I’m very suspicious. I used to be able to do things like ride my horse, Kayak, exercise daily, hike, and scuba dive. I Feel robbed!
Emma
I received the first Shingrix injection on my left arm on 9/9/2019, and experienced the horrible flu-like symptoms for three days. The arm pain was difficult to handle. On 11/8/2019, I received the second vaccine on my right arm. The pain on my arm has lasted for several weeks. There is a constant feeling of numbness from my armpit to my fingertips. It is very painful and has caused me to experience much sleep deprivation. My arm feels as if there is a ball of pain at the injection site.
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