Complications Following Shingles Vaccine Are Serious in About 3% of Cases: CDC

Irvin Jackson

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Amid continuing concerns about reports of problems with the single-dose Zostavax shingles vaccine, a new report reviewed adverse reactions to the newer, double-dose Shingrix vaccine, indicating that about three percent of those reactions resulted in serious injuries or complications. 

GlaxoSmithKline’s Shingrix vaccine is believed to be safer and more effective for prevention of shingles among older adults, and has largely replaced the older live-virus Zostavax vaccine, which has been linked to reports of more severe and persistent shingles outbreaks and auto-immune complications in recent years.

In the latest issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), health officials indicate that at least 4,381 reports of adverse events have been received involving shingles inoculation with Shingrix, about 130 of them are classified as serious, including seven deaths. However, it is unclear whether the deaths were tied directly to the vaccine.

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Zostavax Shingles Lawsuits

Side effects of the shingles vaccine Zostavax may result in the development of a painful and persistent strain of shingles

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Learn More About

Zostavax Shingles Lawsuits

Side effects of the shingles vaccine Zostavax may result in the development of a painful and persistent strain of shingles

Learn More
SEE IF YOU QUALIFY FOR COMPENSATION

Shingrix (recombinant zoster vaccine; RZV) was introduced in October 2017, and has been approved for prevention of shingles among adults age 50 and older. It was the second shingles vaccine approved in the U.S., and has been widely viewed as a superior replacement for Merck’s Zostavax (zoster vaccine live; ZVL), which has been linked to complications as a result of an “under-attenuated” live virus contained in the vaccine.

The MMWR findings come from data lifted from the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) during the first eight months Shingrix was in use, from October 20, 2017 to June 30, 2018, resulting in the distribution of 3.2 million doses. The most common adverse events were fever, injection site pain, and injection site erythema. The report does not highlight any specific side effects which stood out among the reports of serious adverse events. However, the report does indicates that 196 patients developed shingles even after receiving the vaccine, though the CDC indicates that it believes 14 of those patients may have already been suffering from a shingles outbreak when they received the shot.

CDC researchers said that the Shingrix success rate was above 90%, which, combined with the total number of adverse events, puts Shingrix in line with most vaccines, meaning it is overwhelmingly safe. However, the shot has been linked to numerous injection site errors.

The findings come several months after the CDC issued a warning highlighting the number of adverse event reports submitted in recent months involving Shingrix administration errors, which resulted in injection site problems and other complications.

That warning indicated 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.

As of this latest MMWR report, the number of reported injection errors had risen to 230.

Zostavax Side Effects

The findings come as Merck faces a growing number of Zostavax lawsuits filed in courts throughout the U.S., each involving similar allegations that the manufacturers of that older shingles vaccine failed to warn consumers and the medical community that the live-virus contained in the injection was not sufficiently weakened to prevent re-activation of the dormant virus in some users.

According to allegations raised in the complaints, following inoculation with the Zostavax shingles vaccine, users may develop a more severe and persistent version of shingles, or other complications, including Guillain-Barre syndrome, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), transverse myelitis, meningitis, facial paralysis, vision problems and other injuries.

Last month, a study was also published in The BMJ, which found that Shingrix is 85% more effective at preventing shingles than Zostavax, further accelerating the move away from Zostavax by many doctors in recent years.

Tags: Drug Side Effects, GlaxoSmithKline, Merck, Shingles, Shingrix, Vaccine, Zostavax

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71 Comments

Charles
SHINGRIX is DANGEROUS. In March of 2024 I got my first dose. Never had shingles in my life. Three days after shot? Shingles. Then, horrible headaches and fever. Then, my left calf began fasciculations. Went to ER. Admitted to hospital with Meningitis. In hospital three days. Now, the last 12 months, hell. The fasciculations have spread all over my body. They are testing me for ALS, MS, Parkinson’s, a host of horrifying diseases. I’m terrified every day and every day the twitches get worse. No definitive diagnosis yet. A great side note, Glaxo Smith Kline is immune from prosecution over this. You can’t sue them. I’ve called 12 lawyers . Nothing. There’s a list of vaccines you can sue over, and this isn’t on it. No lawyer will take your case. Where will this end? I hope not in death, truly. This is no way to live…wondering if I have a horrible neurological condition from a shot. Only 1/3rd of humans will get shingles. And for the most part, it’s curable. DO NOT take this vaccine.
Linda
My husband, 70 and very healthy got 1st Shingles shot. Had aches, headache 1st evening. Second day he had leg weakness and balance issues, loss of appetite. He could not get to the bathroom. I took him toED and his lab work was normal but they hydrated and sent him home. He continued to get sick, could not walk and his speech slurred. Returned to emergency room where they did all kinds of test and found nothing but within 2 hors he lost speech, could not respond, had multi-organ failure , developed brain swelling and died.
irene
Has anyone had bladder issues after taking the Shringrex vaccine?
Lillie
I got first shot.screamed out loud.hurt for days…got a rash..then a lump at site.a lipoma.severe pain going down to wrist.surgery on my arm.large lipoma. Told me it wouldn’t cause lipoma….then said don’t know what causes lipomas,strange.i know what c a used mine.no second shot.p
Jane
Got my second shingrex vaccine three days ago. Literally can’t walk left foot hurts so bad. Can’t even put pressure on it. Never had anything like this in my life. After first shot had arm soreness and some muscle twitching in legs. Do not get shingrex vaccine! I read about it says vaccine is made of rodent ovary from another country. No joke!!
David
After getting 1st Shingle Vaccine I notice my some of my teeth were getting loose– front tooth and read mollers…Gum are intermittently on pain ( level 8+) back teeth now can be moved manually – very troubling…
David
Got the first shot July of 2022 and had minor soreness at injection site. The following week I had the sensation of bugs crawling on my lateral lower calf area which lasted about a week then subsided. I didn’t associate this with the vaccine at the time and in September I received the second booster. Dumbass mistake! Got the booster in the opposite arm and the next day both that site and opposite arm site experienced pain and soreness. Two days later I developed lower back pain which then progressed along the left branch of my sciatic nerve of my entire leg. Many days and weeks followed with the most excruciating pain and incapacitating episodes I’ve ever experienced. A year later I still have residual nerve pain and atrophy of my left leg. My advise is get it if you want to be a dumbass like me or you enjoy near death or actually death experiences.
Zsa zsa
DO NOT GET THE SHINGRIX VACCINATION! It’s like what everyone is describing. I have been doing everything I can to heal. I can’t tell you how many night and days I’ve spent crying, deep painful cries of hating what this vaccine has done to my body. I was told it’ll make me feel better because the zostavax made it worse. This shingrex vaccine is a beast and it’s been hell. I pray to God my body recovers hint for those that are suffering. Spray it with Tinactin quick drying can! It Helps!!!!
Lynne
As a healthy person, I have never had a bad reaction from a vaccine. Until I got the first dose of Shingrix 4.6.23. I had many of the symptoms already described. Extreme pain, swelling and redness at the injection site. Muscle pain, loss of mobility in both side arms and legs. Fatigue, foggy headed, fever on and off, swollen lymph nodes, skin felt like I was on fire and itching to make you loose your mind. I am covered with scars and sores that are taking forever to heal. It has been well over 2.5 months. New symptoms, like numbness in my hands, popping up. No more vaccines for me.
Lyndy
I have had reoccurring shingles since my first outbreak in 2007. I received my 1st shingrix vaccine 4 weeks ago. At the time I got the vaccine I was at the end of a bout of shingles, blisters were cleared up but I still had mild shingles symptoms and was still taking valtrex to combat the current bout of shingles. I was at my pcp office for a follow up and refill on my anti viral valtrex. My pcp insisted that I was fine to get the shingrix vaccine because I did not currently have blisters, I made him aware multiple times that I was still feeling mild symptoms and was not completely over this bout of shingles. He refused to refill my valtrex, instead trying me on acyclovir for 7 days since I was not completely Over the shingles symptoms of the current bout. I had never taken acyclovir for shingles prior to this, only valtrex which always worked but took time, shingle bouts for men have always lasted anywhere from 8 to 12 weeks of pure misery. I let my pcp talk me into getting The shingrix vaccine at that visit with his promise that this vaccine will help me and not hurt me! Huge mistake…I cannot say I regret getting the vaccine enough.. The vaccine itself made me extremely ill with a lump the size of a tennis ball on my arm, fatigue,chills, loss of appetite severe joint pain and muscle aches. Exactly 3 weeks after the vaccine I have shingles onset again! And an absolutely horrible case that covers areas I’ve never had pain and blisters before in prior episodes of shingles. Shingles initially 2007 attacked the nerves in my right ear, leaving me with PHN and permanent nerve damage. Blisters covered my right earlobe, and cheek line on my face with initial bout. I’ve had recurrent bouts throughout the years, and blisters eventually started popping out in my scalp as well as ear and face. Now after shingrix, this bout of shingles started in,my original location ( right ear) blisters on earlobe, cheek line and neck. The line of blisters goes all the way around to the base of my neck where I have a big really painful blister ( I’ve never had blisters on my neck prior to getting shingrix) I believe the vaccine had spread shingles to wider areas of my body. I call my pcp to Now get a refill on valtrex bc acyclovir did nothing for me. My pcp refuses to call in valtrex and insists I be evaluated to be sure it’s shingles!! Omg, I’ve had shingles more times than I can recall in 16 years yet I can’t get treatment until I’m seen by someone in his office. Beyond frustrated with the entire ordeal and this does not help anyone who has this condition (stress) is awful for shingles. I go into pcp as soon as they can work me in, seen by a PA who immediately agrees I indeed have shingles and prescribed the anti viral valtrex that I need to try and over this current bout. I will not get a second shingrix vaccine and wish I had not let myself be talked into the first one. Has anyone else gotten shingles after getting shingrix and if so, how long did it last? I’m scared that shingles may never go away and this bout brought on by the vaccine. On top of this excruciating bout of shingles I’m still suffer from the side effects of the shot. My message to anyone reading this is please please consider what I’ve said Before you get the shingrix vaccine. If I had it to do over I would just continue dealing with bouts of shingles rather than get this horrid vaccine, as I will have to do anyway.
Joy
After having SEVERE heart palpitations while resting or walking in the days following the 1st Shingrix vaccine I declined having the 2nd for fear of death. I should have done more thorough research on this drug before taking it on the recommendations of my doctor.
Fabian
Like yas or yaz I too am having the sneezing and flooding nose ! I was reading the comment made by yas in the comments section and I like her or him I couldn’t find anywhere’s where the sneezing and runny nose were known Symptoms from getting the shingles vaccine . I just got the vaccine about oh a day ago now , and the headache followed by the all consuming sneezing with the Bluggering nose gushness! I feel like my ear is somewhat feels like had been swimming for hours without ear plugs . I am now starting to get congestion and as I’m writing this I had a mild cough attack . Slight pain at the injection site but nothing major at all . No visible redness. Majn thing is the sneezing and runny nose , I hadn’t had a sneeze attack in more than 5 years now so I’m not used to it at all .
Debbje
I had my first Shingrx shot in 1/6 and had a systemic reaction, according to my doctor. My lymph nodes showed up enlarged in my mammogram. It destroyed my gut health. I was out on Protonix and have been suffering since a few days after the shot. I wish I had never gone through with it because the pain and suffering is not worth it, 2 months later. I can’t imagine getting the second shot. No way.
Donna
My father Gary collapsed at a restaurant during Thanksgiving dinner 2019. He had his 2nd shingles shot two weeks prior. He had shingles earlier in the year in his eye and head. Very painful. He was 77, declining in health, and taking many prescription medications and warned to stop drinking alcohol, but he didn’t. I still wonder if the shingles shot two weeks earlier was the final straw to cause his sudden death???
Peter
When I got my Shingrix shot 2 years ago, I was 220lbs and in excellent health. My life was turned upside down after the shot. I couldn’t move or eat for 4 days. I had a severely swollen shoulder, lymph nodes and my throat was inflamed. My arm was the size of a baseball. I immediately reported my symptoms to my PCP and He said the symptoms will go away in a few days. But, the symptoms continued and during Covid-19 I couldn’t find expert doctors to diagnose what was going on. I got worse. My throat caved in and I couldn’t eat solid food for months. In March of 2021, I got a camera down Mt throat and was now diagnosed with Esophageal Cancer. I was urgently sent to the Mayo Clinic to try to save my life! Chemo-Proton-radiation has successfully treated my EC, but don’t discount the cancer potential of a vaccine causing a domino effect, totally destroying your life!
Ellen
63 year old female, had my first vaccine 4 mos ago, very severe fatigue and muscle pain, fever and local reaction…been debating about getting the second dose…started getting vertigo and tinnitus, did not connect to vaccine, but after reading all the comments, I will not be getting the second shot. I’ll take my chances with getting shingles, hoping that the one dose gives me some protection, but literally afraid of what type of reaction I would get if I took another shot.
Joel
After vacine I lost my mind
Janet
I was told after getting a small painful rash and an ache in my left arm, that I had shingles; I received a dose of the vaccine and I have nonstop radiating pain in my left arm, I cannot lay on my left arm at all and if I wake up on my left side, I have constant agonizing pain all day. My left arm is very weak, and its constant pins and needles. I have had this checked and spent loads of cash on doctor bills. I have been told that the shingles have most likely attacked my C5 nerve??? I also have a constant issue with my ears, they leak fluid! I have been to the doctor 4 times thus far and have been on ear drops, antibiotics etc; and still continue to leak fluid from my ears! The lymph nodes are swollen on the sides of my face and neck area. I continue to work but I feel horrible. I wake up most nights in a wet sweaty pool and I feel panicky! My heart is racing very hard. Please if there is anything, any suggestions, I am the point where I don’t trust the medical field anymore 🙁 Overwhelmed
Cheryl
I received the Shingrix vaccination 2 weeks ago and am still suffering side effects. I mistakenly got a Mammogram 3 days after and showed my swollen lymph nodes,,yup malignant prominent lymph nodes were noted but when I told the Technician that I just had a shot she did not ask me questions nor write it down. I complained to the Chief of Imaging and she took care of it for me. I have completely lost my appetite over this whole thing. Now the lymph nodes have gone down in my right arm but it still radiates pain. It felt like it was sunburned and pins and needles going down my arm 3 days ago now there is a burning, throbbing sensation under my arm pit going down my arm to my hand and sending a little warm sensation to the right side collar bone. This has me really scared! Taking over the counter pain meds and applying muscle rub ointment with menthol under my armpit. That is helping..hoping this is only short term! I can’t stop crying and cannot eat!! Is this happening to anyone else?
DEBORAH
It has been a little over a month now since my 1st shingles shot and I, like others on this page, am experiencing pain in the exact location of the shot. At times it feels like a prickly sensation and other times it is a deep soreness.
Jeffery
I received my first Shingrex injection, having only minor arm soreness that lasted at most one week. After the second injection in my right arm, the upper right arm swelled up within a few hours of the injection. It has been several months since my second injection and my upper arm is still swollen. Over the last 2 weeks, my entire right arm and hand began swelling resulting in an ER visit. Tests were negative for a blood clot causing the problem. I had no open skin areas or bug bites/stings whatsoever on my right arm or hand. I was treated for presumed cellulitis and prescribed oral antibiotics for 7 days. The arm swelling remains. I was evaluated by my PCP who diagnosed me with lymph edema of unknown cause. I am scheduled soon for an ultrasound of the original 2 in. by 4 in. lump on my right upper arm that has been there since my second Shingrex injection. I personally think that that is the cause of the arm swelling. To be continued…..
Patrick
I am having the exact same symptoms as ANN. My left arm, was in pain after the shot, which is normal. Six months later the pain continues. If I shake my arm, throw anything with it, or move it in certain positions, it is excruciating. Had an X-Ray last week, they diagnosed it as tendonitis and gave me some steroids. We’ll see how this goes.
Ann
I received my shingles vaccine on 5/17/22. Now about a month later, my shoulder that I received the vaccine continues to ache, limited range of motion and definitely a weakness to the arm. Does not appear to be getting better but perhaps worse? Even pain radiates to my neck.. I get excruciating pain when that arm gets shook or jarred. I just went back to my primary to demand correct diagnosing & treatment. I told him my shoulder was fine before the vaccine! Of course X-rays showed nothing and b/ work slowed inflammation. Waiting to get MRI approved and orthopedic referral. I had rotor cuff surgery about 5 years ago on my other shoulder; so this was my good shoulder that this happened It feels a lot like the pain I had w/ my rotor cuff surgery. Hope this goes away. It effects so much if my activities.
Judy
I received my 2nd dose May 19, 2022 and 17 days later still running low grade fever. Anyone else have this and did you get better?
ANTHONY
HAD SHINGLES FOR ABOUT 65 DAYS. SPOTS DID NOT LEEK AND HAVE MORE OR LESS GONE OTHER THAN PINK COLOURING. HOWEVER I HAVE VERY SEVERE PAIN IN ARM ( AND SHOULDER FEELS LIKE ITS BROKEN THOUGH PROBABLY NOT. I TAKE PRESCRIBED PAIN KILLERS WHICH HELP BUT NOT NEARLY ENOUGH. CONSTANT PAIN IS HARD TO LIVE WITH THROUGH NIGHT WHICH LEADS ME TO BAD THOUGHTS. IS IT WORTH CONTINUING IF THIS SHOCKING CONDITION CONTINUES? PERIODICALS SUGGEST PAIN CAN CONTINUE SHORT LONG OR PERMANENTLY. I AM LOST! ANTHONY.
Heather
Took first dose of Shingrix on 5/31/22 930 AM. Painful injection, but no big deal. By 4 PM, I was foggy headed and could only lift my arm halfway up. By 8 PM, couldn’t take my own clothes off – I couldn’t lift my arm at all. That night, could not sleep and spiked a 101 fever. Took Tylenol and called in sick to work. Heart rate double the usual (testing heart rate usually 45, now 90). 6/1/22 arm feels much better, but still sore. Fever subsided. Low grade headache. Worried about the side effects of the second dose. Doctor didn’t say anything about any side effects to expect, but I have had shingles before more than once and doctor recommended getting Shingrix as soon as I turned 50 to stop it from recurring.
Michael
Side effects have not resolved. I have a temp, and ache everywhere: fingers, wrists, neck, knees, and hip. I have a persistent headache. Each night I am sleeping on towels as I soak them, at least two each night. I seem sensitive to light by the end of each day. My doc is concerned, and doesn’t want me to do the booster. While I’m going to work, I’m simply miserable. I told my wife, I feel like this vax is slowly killing me.
Janice
Had a Shingles Injection well over a year ago and my left upper arm is still extremely sore. I am unable to lift my arm or exercise without suffering pain. I am very sorry I ever allowed my doctor to talk me into the Shingles Vaccine and would not recommend it to anyone.
Sherry
April 4, 2022 i recieved my 2 d Shringrix vaccine. Four hours later my jaw joint & ear began hurting, headaches & severly di,zy. Went to my Dr & he said i have TMJ & thought it was very suspicous 4 hrs after the vaccine. Now i have an appointment with a TMJ specialist (which ins doesnt pay). I hope he can help me. I do not recommend this Shingrix Vaccine.
Eric
After the second vaccine on February 16th, I had the normal reaction of severe fatigue. After five days, I went to the gym and realized I didn’t have any strength or stamina while on the elliptical. I’ve had major leg weakness, ringing in my right ear and walking feels strange and off. The left side of my face feels slightly numb. I had a nerve conduction test from a neurologist. He also tested the leg muscles. He said the inside of my nerves, the part that controls the muscle, is very very low and weak all over. He said I have neuropathy and that Shingrix triggered something in my immune system. He doesn’t have any idea how long I’ll suffer from this. I used to be active and worked out three times a week. Now I tire easily and have to rest all the time. I’m only 51 and I’m afraid I won’t be the same person I was before. I’m concerned I won’t be able to continue my job as a School Counselor. And my wife and I have an eight year old daughter I want to play with.
Mariana
After the second shingles vaccine (Shingrix) received in Nov 2021 in my left shoulder I developed cervical lymphadenitis, swollen, painful lymph node on the same side of the neck, above the collar bone and my whole shoulder froze in pain. I immediately reported to my PCP and got a reply from the NP not to worry about it will go away. I also reported this to the Shingrix manufacturer. The lymph node swelling subsided in about 7-8 days but the pain has not gone in spite of me trying to be reasonable active and checking labs for inflammation (were negative). Eventually I had an XRay (early March) of shoulder showing “osteopenia”, then started physical therapy . Range of motion improved but the night time aches have not changed. An MRI showed tendinitis and small tears of different ligaments. I’m asked to consult an orthopedic specialist if my pain still present. Any advice?
layne
The first shot made me ill but manageable. The second booster vaccine made the entire arm and hand so painful that I could not move it or touch it. I had to keep it curled up next to my body. Relaxing the arm in a normal state made it more painful. My glands in my arm pit were swollen for several days. I was sick with flu like symptoms and headache and stayed awake all night due to intense arm pain. Over the counter pain pills did not work. I was only able to sleep the second day once I took an Oxycotin. I could not function for two days. Gosh, considering what I had to endure the vaccine had better work.
Valerie
A friend got shingles and sent me a picture of his eye swollen almost completely closed. Prompted me to go to CVS for Shringrex vaccine on 3/31/22. Within an hour arm sore a heck. Within 3 hours my digestive system started cramping up and then 10 hours of vomiting (9 big bouts) and chronic diarrhea, chills, sweats..it was horrible. Next day, feels like someone punched my guts and chronic diarrhea, slight fever and weak as shit. I had no symptoms from J&J covid vac so, shocked how Shingles vac pummeled me. I never get sick…period.. I went from strong, go to gym and circuit training/biking regularly to, weak walking/ losing breath. Pharmacy said take Tylenol or go to ER….great. Just be prepared in case you get side effects with a couple of bad days and flu like treatments…electrolyte drinks, etc. Sucks and don’t know if going to do again.
Ed
I had first shingles shot no issues . The second shot on the other hand weeks later I get sharp painful pain around the injection area quite often. Sleeping on that arm is painful . Movement and strength of arm is not the same. I would not recommend getting this vaccine
L
Three months out after 2nd Shingrix dose, I am still aching all over, blisters on gums and in eye that just appeared. Side of my face is purple and swollen with pain traveling through sinuses and ear on same side. What a mistake to take this vaccine. (I had the COVID vaccines with only a sore arm.)
Peggy
I received the first vaccination shot for shingles on 3/17/22. About 5 hours l started developing a sore arm. The next my symptoms were headache, severe chills to the bone body aches, extremely tired and swollen, red and hot-to-touch arm at injection site. The majority of symtoms lasted over 24 hrs. 4 days later, I still have the headache and my arm is still very swollen, red, hot to the touch and very painful. I already have tinnitus but I have noticed it has gotten much louder. I wouldn’t have thought anything of it except reading some of the other comments. I am definitely calling my doctor when they open.
Beth
I got my first vaccine 4 months ago. No problem except for bad pain during the injection and later a sore arm. 2nd shot last week and it kicked my ass. I was so sore I couldn’t walk , for two days plus I had chills and I’ve never been so tired. It has been 5 days now and now the itching is nonstop. My entire arm top to bottom is the worst itching! I would never recommend this vaccine to anyone.
Karen
Had my first Shingrix vaccination February 2022 and now Mid March and I have had a persistent headache with neck pain since which is over a month. I wish I had not taken this vaccination and will not be getting the second dose.
Lori
I have chronic Shingles and believe the Shingles shots have made the disease worse for the unvaccinated. Of course the CDC and co globally have decided we are all lab rats. Trust the science!
deb
I am 57 and got both Shingrix shots and have gotten shingles 3 times since I got the shots which were not even 3 months afterwards. This is totally uncalled for. I am already tired of calling doctors to get the pills to take and then within 2 months another break out in the same exact spots. Why getting the shot if I am still getting the shingle’s. There has to be a solution for all of this mess for everyone.
Yas
I got the first shot for Shingles about 4 days ago. The first day I only experienced a bit of soreness at the injection site. The next day it was a bit worst but I noticed that I started to sneeze quite often in the morning. But the evening I had to take a Benadryl. The redness was there but I read that was normal. The third day I was sneezing a lot off day and my nose was extremely runny. It was as if I was having a real bad seasonal allergy attack. My upper arm got red and swollen and area grew further down the arm and itched like there was no tomorrow. A searched online to see if it was common to get a localized allergy reaction and no where have I been able to find the answer. I went to one pharmacy and the pharmacist told me that it is not normal, but to go back and talk to the pharmacist where I got the shot so that they could over my meds to see if there was an interaction to any other meds I’ve been using. I did that and I had a phot of all the meds I have been using, including supplement and the pharmacist told me that none of them are an issue. He examined my arm and told me that he had never seen anything like it. He said that he did not believe that it was from the vaccine because if it was from it, it would cause an allergic reaction in other parts of the body. He thought that me be the latex gloves might had caused a reaction. The problem is that I am sure that the pharmacist that injected me did not use latex gloves. Plus I am not allergic to latex. I don’t have redness everywhere, but I have been itching all over, specially my legs and back a lot more than normal. The fourth day my sneezing and runny nose got a bit better, but my arm hurt just as bad and the itching is was excruciating. With more than normal itching on my legs and back. I kept taking the Benadryl tablets and applying Cortisone 10 with not much effect on the itching. Today is early morning on the fifth day and the itching woke me up three times through the night. The pain is still there and the runny nose is back and I am starting to sneeze a lot again. Arm itch and body itch the same. This is extremely annoying and troublesome. I feel that it was a mistake getting that shot. I relied on medical information and websites, including from an article in Medscape by a “CDC Shingles expert.” Even though the pharmacist said that he didn’t think that it was vaccine related, there is no it could not be. I am having the issues only in the arm where ai got the shot and it starts from the area where I got the shot downward. Seriously, how could it not be related. I’ve never had this in my life from any other vaccine. Not even the flu shot I got back at the end of November 2021. There is no way in hell that I am getting the second shot. The Govt really need to take a hard look at this medication and soon. Hell, who am I kidding, the FDA is part of big pharma. An agency ran by big pharma executives.
Robin
I am 59y/o and got the Shingles shot. The First Shot NO Side Effects or Problem’s at all. I got the 2nd shot 5 month later and OMG the Felt like I was getting Stabbed with a Spike. By that Evening I was experiencing awful pain. Within 2 days Severe Muscle Pain in the Injected Arm and Joint Pain Set into the Shoulder to the point I could barely lift my arm. . It has now been approx 2 months and The Injected Arm still has Extensive Muscle and Joint Pain. I continue to have Major difficulties lifting my arm. I continue to ice and stretch the affected arm however, it hadn’t helped.
Priscills
Had shot 3 days ago. Fever and drenched in sweat 2 nights. Other issues are weakness, fatigue, joint pain, diarrhea, loss of taste, stomach pain, swelling and redness at shot sight. I will not be taking the second shot. It only confirmed my decision not to ever have flu shots or the Covid booster as the right decision.
Nina
Received my first shingrix shot Jan 25, 2022, sore arm the first two days, then on 3rd day saw blisters under my nose… Went to urgent care and doc said it’s Shingles! Now my eyes are burning and face too. Doc put me on valacyclovir 3x day 1000mg for 7 days, but I am scared to death that it will become what I have seen on pictures. Never had shingles before. Was it this vaccine?
Tony
Received the shingles shot in the afternoon and at 4am i was awakened in massive pain in the arm and shoulder that the shot was given in. After approximately three weeks the pain subsided but I have nerve loss in my right arm and my finger and thumb. Also have loss of strength in my shoulders.
Paula
I am a 52 year old female. I had first shingles shot 10/21. Experienced flu like symptoms next day barely made it through work. On third day I couldn’t walk well. Severe knee pain that’s only gotten worse over the last month and is now in both legs. I’m frightened the pain will never go away. Go to orthopedic dr this week. But all this happened after shot. I do t want the second shot now. Wish ai researched it more. I’m miserable every day.
Patty
Had my first vaccine on 10/27. I’m 54 super healthily. I walk every day 10,000 steps. I’m very active! Bike, paddle board, I never stay still and I work full time. However after the first shot two days later I couldn’t walk. I woke up in horrible pain. My left leg, hip and foot were in excruciating pain a 10. It’s 4 days later and the only change is the pain is now a 5. Dr ordered me a prednisone pack 2 days later. My foot and calf is completely numb too. If I move the wrong way there’s a stabbing knife in my lower spine area. I’m scared. At the moment I can’t work, self employed cosmetologist. Going to dr Monday hoping we can figure this out. This is definitely from the shingles vaccine. There’s no way it’s not. It interacted with something in my body. No more vaccines for me I’m done. I pray this gets better because it’s only 4 day in and I’m depressed I’m bed ridden and in pain.
Mike
I got the first dose of Shingrix the last week of December 2020. My ears began ringing in January, but I did not make the connection at the time. The day after receiving the second dose in late June, the ringing got much louder and hasn’t let up. It’s the same pitch and volume in both ears.
Glenn
Took the second shingrix shot on 6/22/21 about 4 to 5 hours later I had loud tinnitus where I didn’t have tinnitus before. June and July were horrible. Ear Nose and Throat doctor said they are seeing tinnitus cases with the covid19 vaccine but it should go away but no guarantees. I’m going to be much more discerning about taking vaccines in the future. I wasn’t even going to the Dr’s office for vaccines but rather high blood pressure. The office began pushing extras like tetanus and Shingrix which I didn’t need. I should have said no.
M.
I had my second Shingrix shot months ago in June. The first shot was ok the second I had chills and fever, stayed in bed. Before this second shot I was healthy, very very physically active and had good energy. Now I am tired, fatigued all the time! Trouble getting out of bed, very tired after Normal tasks and foggy brain. Its been weeks and weeks and I still cannot get over this fatigue. Its brought on feelings of depression. Its like the second vaccine changed everything in my life. I wish I had stopped with the first vaccine! Very sorry I did this, whatever it is, to my body.
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