I got my vaccine on a Friday, felt headachy and rundown all weekend. By Tuesday I was getting an outbreak. I hadn't had one in a pretty long time and I take acyclovir when I do. Coincidence or a side effect of the vaccine?
Can the shingles vaccine cause a genital herpes outbreak?
Question posted by artsyrsc on 13 Nov 2014
Last updated on 12 March 2025
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
78 Answers Page 3
Julescres
25 Sep 2020
I have definitely decided not to get the new Shingrix vaccine after all the posts I’ve read about so many getting herpes outbreaks right afterwards. I’ve been contemplating getting this vaccine for so long, but just can’t risk getting outbreaks of herpes. I’m someone who has had this dreaded virus since 1975 & I have had so many repeated outbreaks through the years I can’t begin to count them all. My outbreaks are always absolutely horrific too. Drs. always have said usually after the 1st initial outbreak they get less & less painful, less frequent etc., not so with me. I’m otherwise an extremely healthy person so not going to risk this for anything. I think this vaccine must somehow interfere with people who have Herpes Simplex 1 & 2.
BrightsideGemini
26 Sep 2020
I think you are making the right decision. However- if you go back and look at the vaccine prior to 2015 you will see that the “Zostavax” vaccine instead of the “Shingrix” vaccine actually HELPED people improve their herpes. I am a 28 year old female (Never has singles but heard of zostavax vaccine helping) and decided to search all around for the shot as my herpes also has gotten increasingly worse. I received the shot July 2nd and have had slightly better luck with the herps.
chasf29055
25 July 2020
I am 74 year old male. Had the chickenpox as a child and a few herpes sores in my teens, but never a cold sore in 60 years. Never a shingles outbreak. I had the original shingles vaccine Zostavax 9 years ago... no problems. In October 2019 went to Costco to get the first new Shingrix shot... no problems. In July 2020 I received the second Shingrix shot from Target. Felt real sluggish for two days then had a terrible outbreak of genital herpes. Have never had genital herpes before. Went to Urgent Care and am now on 1000 mg Valacyclovir. Both the Urgent Care Dr. and the pharmacist said probably not related. That is not what I think.
scottod
26 Dec 2020
Just wanted to follow up and see how its going. Was it a one time outbreak or has it reoccurred?
CookandLewes33172
11 April 2020
Have had HSV2 since 1968, now 75. Had outbreaks on and off until 10 years ago when I started Famvir. Zero bouts since. Would not get the first, live virus, vaccine. Very hesitant to get the new vaccine, but finally did in August 2019. Have had no reaction to the shot. However, after reading on this site... I WILL NOT GET THE SECOND SHOT.
JudyBG
25 July 2020
It’s probably still worth it. Acyclovir took care of it for me, and shingles can be incredibly crippling. You need the second shot to secure the results you want.
scottod
21 Sep 2020
Did you ever get the 2nd shot? Just curious as to results. I get cold sores every time I get a flu shot. This year I am thinking of taking 1500mg of Famvir prior. Do you use Famvir for suppressive? Curious the does. I think they said you have to do 250mg twice a day. I was doing 1/3 a 500mg pill twice a day which is about 167mg and did not get any outbreaks during it but was not on it so long.
Donporter
5 April 2020
Side effect of vaccine
I have had herpes since the 70’s
Rarely get outbreaks
The one I got was a serious one and definitely cause by the vaccine
No doubt in my mind
No other stressors going on that would have caused it
VACCINE RELATED
scottod
5 April 2020
I know this is a tad unrelated but I recently got the flu vaccine.
I generally take 500mg a day of Valtrex because if I stop I get bad outbreaks of HSV1 , cold sores but generally I dont get them while on the Valtrex.
Right after the flu vaccine I got a cold sore outbreak. I really think the vaccine just messes with your immune system . I know its different as flu is not in same family but Chicken Pox /Shingles /HSV 1 and 2 are.
On a side note, one effective treatment I have found is povidone ointment. Its basically Betadine in ointment form. You cannot find it in the US on store shelves however I usually buy generic from Amazon. The only negative is you cant where it in public as its brown, but in combination with Valtrex/Acyclovir , if its HSV2 no one would see that anyway. I usually put it on my lip if I feel an outbreak and I am home alone. Sometimes a little can get on comforter when sleeping but no biggie, comes out in wash
scottod
5 April 2020
Btw , could not edit my other comment. But the "major" brand of povidone iodine is cheaper and stronger than the Betadine cream, you also want to keep it refrigerated to make it less runny if you can but not necessary
JudyBG
4 April 2020
A number of us, some of whom hadn’t had an outbreak in many years, had the same reaction. Luckily, for me acyclovir worked and I am long since back to not taking it. (My herpes patch was on a buttock, not genital herpes, but it probably doesn’t matter.)
CoralineinOK
4 April 2020
I received a shingles vaccine, dose 1 about one month ago. I am 67. I have not returned for my second dose. In the past 10 days I have had 3 Herpes Simplex1-facial-attacks which I have fought back to some extent with Docosanol cream and lots of lysine. it gave me a pretty extensive one at the bottom corner of my lip on the right side, involving both the lips and surrounding facial skin. Then one tried to start above my lips on the left side-ferocious prodromal itching but I fought it off with Docosanol-10 X a day and then 2 days ago it starts on the upper lip and surrounding skin on the left side of my face. It's moderating with the medication but is there. I've never had this many so close together before this. I'm reluctant to get the recommended second dose.
Brissa
21 March 2020
After reading all the posts on this forum, I have decided not to risk taking this shingles vaccine.
I am 69 years old and usually very healthy. No hypertension (103/62), no diabetes, and in adequate weight for my height and age (5'5", 130lb) etc.. My husband and I are still sexually active.
I have been suffering from HSV2 for approximately 7 years. This was after my husband and I split up for a year and got back together. He tested positive for it. He hardly has any outbreaks. My first outbreak was on my buttock and so was my second one within 6 months. I didn't have an outbreak for 1 year and when I did, it was in my genitals (perhaps, caused by the friction of intercourse). This outbreak was terrible(many sores)and lasted for over a month, even after taking Valtrex and doing all the home remedies I read online.
When I finally went to see my gynecologist, she gave me a prescription for a cream that had to be mixed at the pharmacy that contains Desytine, Silver and Nystatin Cr. to be applied in the affected area. By the next day, the improvement was noticeable and by day 3, it was completely gone and I was back to normal. She said not to take Valtrex every day as a preventive treatment because, then it won't help when there is an outbreak. I take 2000 mg of L Lysine, 5000 IU of Vitamin D3, 2000 mg of Vitamin C daily. I used to take Bio Strath (for the inmune system) but quit for the last year because of how expensive it is. I exercise 3 times a week with weights and do interval exercise of brisk walking and running. If I feel some mild itch and/or burn in my genitals sometimes and mostly after intercourse (friction may cause outbreaks), I immediately apply the cream in the area and within an hour or so, it's gone. This cream is also very effective with skin sores or any irritations in other parts of your body. Once you apply it to the sore or irritation it's gone within hours. I call it the magical cream. The doctor recommended to ONLY take Valtrex, at the first sign of symptom for only 3 days. I haven't had an outbreak in 4 years. Perhaps, these preventive measures have helped me and may help you as well. Staying healthy, stress free and taking care of your immune system are the key factors as preventive measures. Therefore, I will not get this shot for the time being, unless extremely necessary. Hope this helps.
CoralineinOK
4 April 2020
I'm about your age Brisa and have decided not to take the 2nd shot after 3 oral herpes outbreaks in the last 10 days after the first dose. And just reading all of this seems to be encouraging another area. I do not see how this can be a coincidence as I have had very much reduced problems in the past decades. And now 3 in a row- a new one just as one begins to heal. I am so tired of being advised to take medicines for things that might happen only to develop another problem. I'm old enough to just start saying : " No, I don't think I'll do that ." And my grandmother had shingles. I know it can be bad. Good luck with healing.
IanMoone
7 Feb 2020
I have Genital Herpes.I take Valacyclovir everyday without missing a dose.I received the Shingles vaccine a couple weeks later My mouth And throat broke out in bad Herpes sores and never has before.They start to clear up then break out again. The Dr &Pharmacist swears it wasn’t the vaccine ,but I say it was ! Please Help what to do ?How can I help myself?
ejg123
29 Jan 2020
I had my first Shingrix shot in August of 2019. No side effects. My second shot came in mid November 2019. Within three days I got a rash on my genitals. After seeing my doctor and lab work I was diagnosed with type 1 and 2 HSV. I had never had any rash on my genitals before. I am not saying I got HSV from Shingrix, but I have constant outbreaks for over two months with no relief. The rash continues today. No coincidence.
JudyBG
30 Jan 2020
Ugh.That sounds awful. I just had the patch on my buttock. It was confined to the normal area. I took Acyclovir and it cleared up in about a week. I kept on the Acyclovir daily for a month, and then every other day. Off it completely now. No symptoms. But I cannot believe there’s no connection. Not after 20 years of dormancy.
Joeykay
11 Dec 2019
I had an outbreak within 2 1/2 hours and then 4 more Over the next 3 days
JudyBG
11 Dec 2019
I’m on this site because I have a patch on one buttock from a toilet seat. Haven’t had an outbreak in 20 years. Got the second shingles vaccine last week, and I have one now. I wondered if there might be an association. Interesting that others had the same experience.
QuietRiot
30 Nov 2019
I’ve had genital herpes since my 20’s (I’m now in my 60’s). My doctor has been pushing the newer version of the Shingles vaccination on me for a few years. I was hesitant but now, thanks to everyone who has posted about their reactions on this page, I’ve decided not to get the vaccine. I’m already on a daily dose of valacyclovir, which might or might not inhibit a possible outbreak. Everyone has to make their own decision and I respect all the voices on this post. But I’m not going to take any chances. It’s just too painful. Thanks!
Donporter
30 Nov 2019
After a vaccine on Monday afternoon a nasty genital outbreak occurred on Friday morning. Had not had one like this in years. I don’t find it coincidental .
Joeykay
16 Nov 2019
I received the shingles vaccine on Friday at 3.00pm and by 5.00 had a full blown herpes attack on my lower back. I can’t believe this is a Coincidence . I also have a painful rash at injection site and feel awful.
I asked the pharmacist before receiving the shot if I should start a course of valtrex immediately and was told that there was no risk of an outbreak so not to bother. There should be a warning under side effects that this could happen.
Roni49
26 Sep 2019
I have had the same situation and would love an answer.
Related topics
herpes simplex - suppression, herpes zoster, acyclovir, herpes, vaccine
Further information
- Acyclovir uses and safety info
- Acyclovir prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Acyclovir (detailed)
Similar questions
Search for questions
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.