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 5
hydrangablue
26 June 2018
L-lysine is amazing my ob/gyn recommended it. I take 1000 ml a day. I have only had an outbreak once in 5 years in the form of cold sores. I even crush a lysine pill up and add water and apply to my cold sores. It really has worked for me. When an outbreak occureces I up my dose to 2 pills three times a day so 6000 ml.
I received the new shingles shot for 50 and older and I am trying to be positive and hope my outbreaks will never come back. It is the day after my shot I am exhausted with an extreme headache, and neck pain. I hope tomorrow will be better, I am taking more lysine and praying it will help.
Thank you everyone for sharing this in itself has reduced my stress!
Teddy409
29 May 2018
I find it interesting from all the responses that say the vaccine doesn't cause an outbreak. Like many of the others on here, I had the first Shingles vaccine shot on Monday, roughly 2 days later I had an outbreak, the severity of which I haven't had in years. I rarely have outbreaks after having this for over 30 years so I find it a little more than coincidental that the vaccine doesn't trigger something.
Inactive
26 Dec 2017
This is an interesting possibility! let me first say, I'm not a medical professional. I have come across some information in regards to ending or reducing the amount of Herpes outbreaks. I have read that the smallpox vaccine has had an effect on those with HSV-1 and possibly HSV-2. Unfortunately, the smallpox vaccine may be difficult to acquire, except under certain circumstances. The vaccine is no longer routinely available. I would like to see people reading this, put their collective heads together to gather more information on this important issue. If anyone finds more information, please feel free to share.
Belaine
2 Nov 2017
Large doses of vitamin D with the l lysine have helped me dramatically.
ramprod
29 Aug 2017
This isnt a direct response to your question - tho I am always suspicious of injections given and that includes certain vaccines. Im not sure theyre necessary and also that DO these 'scientists and healthcare professionals even know what theyre doing sticking stuff in you that- sometimes works' . I am not a healthcare medical doctor but I have been in and around healthcare and the delivery systems of healthcare for 30 years. Anyway I wanted to put this out there for those trying to stave off herpes outbreaks - for tens of thousands a dose of a natural amino acid helps immensely and I dont know why ' healthcare professionals' dont recommend people try it before pushing their pharmaceutical billion dollar damned drugs. Oh, I just answered the question didnt I.
Try 1000mg daily of L-Lysine. Purchase from a reputable vitamin company. It works for so many to reduce or completely stop outbreaks. I hope this helps many many people, it has helped me for years. And I WISH healthcare providers would recognize this and instead of pushing some expensive drug - actually deliver healthcare in a more responsible and ethical manor. enuff said.
Letitbe
26 Dec 2017
Ramprod Have you ever heard of taking Lysine for too long in those doses?
buzzfed
23 June 2017
I've had genetal herpes for 6 months and I have a chronic condition. Neuralgia pain every day. Burning skin every day. Lesion outbreaks once a week that look like a pimple or 2. I read a lot on the France study and decided to try it. I made sure that I started with the chickenpox vaccine due to some people stating that they were worse off after getting the shingles vaccine. It is 14 times stronger. And with a booster could easily add another varivax shot. Its been one month. I felt tired the day after. similar to when i get a flu vaccine. The next couple days I didn't feel anything different than I had been. Outbreaks were the same. Since about a week after the shot my neuralgia has been getting a little worse. Not a lot worse, but toward the more painful end. I'm hoping that over the next few months the vaccine will stop hurting and start helping my condition. we will see.
lbrian3
14 Aug 2018
Is it still the same for you?
SEM42
7 Feb 2025
Things that might help for herpes - they were a big help for me:
- amenalief (from japan)
- creatine (i do once a day, a friend of mine does one dose in the morning and another at night)
- NMN if you can get it.
- estrogen if you are a woman
- thyroid hormone if you are low.
- good sleep, good nutrition, avoiding cold air, good oxygen (e.g. CPAP at night for me), no dieting.
- and of course, valacyclovir but it has a marginal effect on its own.
The combination of these, plus the occasional aspirin was very helpful in getting rid of my symptoms. good luck.
Goldwing08
10 June 2017
I had my first breakout 2 years ago, 3 weeks after a Shingles vaccination. I have never had any previous issues and was totally monogamous for over 30 years. I was however an EMT and could possibly have been infected during that time.
When speaking to my doctor, he said my body's immune system could have been able to hold off the virus outbreak but was overwhelmed fighting it and the shingles virus.
I haven't had a second outbreak in over 2 years.
Bawlf
10 May 2017
I've had recurring genital herpes outbreaks about 1 - 2 per year since I was 19 years of age. I got a shingles vaccine almost 4 years ago and have not had a single outbreak of herpes that I've been aware of since. My outbreaks were never very severe and I had never taken anything for it.
My doctor was surprised when I mentioned this too him, I intend to get tested for the virus and he's fairly hopeful that I will only show anti-bodies but no viral load. Here's hoping.
Inactive
26 Dec 2017
Have you gotten your results back from the doctor? I'm sure many reading this would be interested to know.
scottod
26 Dec 2020
Which vaccine did you get for Shingles? The Shingrix or the Zostavax?
phouka
2 March 2017
Shingles, caused by the chicken pox virus, is not the same virus (actually, two viruses) that cause herpes. However, chicken pox, herpes simplex 1, and herpes simplex 2 are all members of the same viral family, herpesviridae. Other members of the family include the Epstein-Barr virus (which causes mononucleosis) and cytomegalo virus. This means that these viruses are closely related.
Herpes anti-viral medication can be used to treat outbreaks of shingles, indicating that the viral replication among herpesviridae members is very similar in all viruses.
The shingles vaccine is a live, attenuated vaccine. What this means is that you are receiving a weakened virus that will trigger a response in your immune system, allowing your acquired immune system to build antibodies against the chicken pox virus (since that's what causes shingles). In about 1 in 70 people, the injection can cause a headache, and approximately the same number of people get very small chickenpox blisters near the site of the injection.
All of this is lead-in to say, "no one really knows, but it doesn't seem likely". The only reason anyone gets chickenpox blisters after getting the vaccine is because they receive a weakened live virus that can cause the blisters. You didn't get more herpes virus, and the antibodies for the two viruses are almost certainly different enough that your body couldn't devote the antibodies it normally produces to fight your herpes virus to fight the varicella (chickenpox) virus. However, it's possible that in fighting the new exposure to varicella, your immune system didn't keep up with its fight against herpes, and the herpes virus was able to start replicating again.
In order to tell what really happened, immunologists would have to do a double blind placebo study to determine whether people with herpes who get a shingles vaccine a) are responding to the contents of the vaccine as opposed to the stress/"nocebo" effect of getting a shot, and b) if their immune system drops the ball in the fight against herpes in order to pick up the fight against varicella.
The good news is that once your body has responded to the shingles vaccine, you get extra protection against herpes. You should be able to expect fewer outbreaks and less pain during an outbreak. And the same, of course, goes for shingles.
Lynnlamothe
10 Dec 2016
I had NEVER had a herpes two outbreak until I got the shingles vaccine. It's not the same virus, true, but it most definitely stresses the immune system! I'm now having an outbreak every 2 months on average I wish I had never had the vaccine
oldlady2
10 Dec 2016
I'm VERY interested in this thread. I am 63 and had my first HSV2 (very painful) outbreak this past spring (2016). My partner and I have been monogamous for 20 years. He was tested and does NOT have HSV2. I had my shingles shot at age 60 - I assume like most of us in this discussion. My OB/GYN swears there is no connections but your testimonies say otherwise. So, this only tells me how latent HSV2 can be. Why are people not tested for HIV/HSV2/other diseases passed via sexual contact before they get married!?
missouririverkid
20 Dec 2016
Well this is interesting... I had the "shot at 2 P.M. this afternoon" and have mild discomfort in my arm and neck and joints with some mile warm flashes. Since I turned 60 I sure didn't want shingles and my herpes outbreak 30-years ago was angst enough. As to Oldlady commenting on testing couples getting married... YES !. My bride omitted reciting that fact and transmitted on our wedding night and waited until the divorce was final before confessing. My attacks over the years are very mild and infrequent but it's been a journey to get to this point. I await the next journey in my life and hope the "shot keeps shingles at bay".
Kusanku
21 Jan 2017
I just wanted to report back. Since receiving the Shingles vac in 2013 I've been free of type two attacks - that's over three years so my results agree with the French study posted here. I reported this to my doctor but he was skeptical and advised that I write to the vaccine maker to see if they had any interest. Apparently there are no tests he can do to see if I'm herpes free. The existing tests look for antibodies to confirm herpes which I would have regardless. I see that most of you have not had my luck but our experiences certainly indicate a connection between the shingles vac and our herpes status. Perhaps some other things about me might be useful. I'm 70 and contracted type II in 1975. I've never taken the herpes meds preferring to know when an attack is coming to spare my wife who does not have the condition after 25 years together. I eat a reasonable diet that's mostly fish, chicken and vegetables.
I'm also very physically active in eastern exercise. For me that's 45 years in the martial arts but it could also be yoga. I'm not offering my lifestyle as a cure but any changes one can make to boost the immune system could help. I wish you all luck and will report back occasionally if my luck holds or changes.
Kusanku
22 Jan 2017
I have several comments in here describing a positive effect the shingles vaccine had on my type 2 herpes. I've also seen a number of comments reporting the opposite. Here's a thought. One of the side effects of the shingles vaccine can be shingles. Those of you who have had a changed pattern in your herpes attacks since the vaccine should think about seeing your doctor to see if you're having shingles attacks instead of type 2. Shingles is only contagious to someone who's never had chickenpox while we all know how contagious herpes is. If the vaccine has caused you to switch diseases it could be good to know.
Miugo
23 Nov 2016
I've had genital herpes out burst 4 times in two months after the vaccine. The doctor said the vaccination has nothing to do with the out burst. But I'm surprised there are other people experiencing the same. Is the outburst gonna keep coming?
joanthorne
20 Oct 2016
I just read a study done in France on a small number of subjects who had herpes simplex 1 or 2 or both. Half were given the anti varicella zoster vaccine used for shingles prevention and all 24 of them were cured of the Herpes 1 and 2 outbreaks over the next 6 years of follow up.
Kusanku
21 Oct 2016
That matches my experience. I thought I had an outbreak a year ago but it was so mild it could have been something else. Essentially, I have been without attack since the shingles vaccine. Can you supply a reference to the French study?
di1949
26 Dec 2017
This is something I can verify too. I had the Shingles vaccine 8 years ago and have never had a HSV1 since although I had them regularly before that. I mentioned this to my sister who then also went and paid to be vaccinated two years after myself and likewise has only had one small outbreak since - although she is a stress ball. Then my nephew married a young lady who was plagued with them. After we mentioned our experiences, she paid to be vaccinated and it's now 4 years clear of them too. Not sure how or why this has worked for us - I have some medical training and am sceptical, but in our experience it seems to be more than a coincidence.
tacotaco
19 July 2018
di1949, which shingles vaccine did you, your sister and niece receive? Also what are your ages (if you don’t mind me asking) Im quite curious to give this a try but haven’t found a lot of discussion on it so I’d love to hear from someone who has experienced it! Thanks!
Donne Porter
15 Sep 2016
I had the shingles vaccine a few weeks ago and started breaking out in my genital area. I have had fever blisters on my lips from time to time during my lifetime, but have never had an outbreak in my genital area. My OB-GYN doctor put me on Valtrex a few days ago. He did a culture and I am waiting for the results.
buzzfed
19 March 2017
What did the culture come back as? Are you continuing to have outbreaks?
retiredandlovingit
7 July 2015
I have had genital herpes so long that the outbreaks were few and far between, yrs between. Since getting the shingles vaccine it seems I have been getting one outbreak after another. At least one every other month and worse then I used to get them and sometimes in more then one area at a time.
Misshopeful
28 Aug 2016
I was wondering how things are with you now, do you still get outbreaks every other month after the shingels vaccine? I just got the shot myself with no sign of outbreak but my husband suffered a major outbreak after the vaccine and now fear he will have even more problems.
Miss H
buzzfed
19 March 2017
Misshopeful. Did your husbands outbreaks continue to be more symptomatic and more frequent or have they started to be less?
Misshopeful
19 March 2017
Buzzfed, hos outbreaks are about the same as before the vaccine.
Bella09
6 May 2015
Have you gotten any HSV 2 outbreaks since getting the shingles vaccine?
artsyrsc
7 May 2015
It's been several months since I had the vaccine, but I would say that I most likely did have an outbreak or two since then. I have started taking Valtrex in the past month or so, and have had no troubles since then, despite going through some pretty stressful times.
Kusanku
7 May 2015
In over a year since the shingles vaccine I've experienced only one minor outbreak of type 2. It was extremely mild. My pattern has definitely changed since the vaccine.
Bella09
7 May 2015
Thank you both so much! I'm looking to get the vaccine soon and hoping it puts an end, or at least cuts down on, the HSV 2 OBs.
Kusanku
7 May 2015
Bella09 let's be clear. I'm only reporting my experience and not offering the shingles vaccine as a cure for type 2. I don't want you to be disappointed on my account. I was in drug development for years and know how much it takes to confirm such a hypothesis. That said, it can't hurt to get the shingles vaccine for whatever good it brings.
missmcat
3 June 2015
Hello, I read this string with a bit of hope. Even one outbreak in a year would be wonderful. (I have had for 32 years, break out about every 2 months average)
I am curious, this is a question for the women that have experienced fewer OB. What Blood TYPE are you?
Since there are some of us that are 'plagued' by it, and some that never know they even have/ carry the disease, I am increasingly intrigued by the why.
FYI when I contracted it, they didn't know much and didn't even type it then. And for years there was no medicine. And while you can now find out if you have HSV 1 or 2 genitally, and even your Viral load, they still don't know much. It's very disappointing. another FYI anytime I go off the medicine to give my body a break? I have almost constant outbreaks for months. As if the virus wants to make up for lost time, the jerk!
Kusanku
3 June 2015
My blood type is O+.
missmcat
3 June 2015
Thank-you for the reply and fast response.
I am a bit of a geek, so I completely understand the empirical evidence reference dilemma etc... because there are racial markers, genetic markers... and telomeres...
Also I am truly annoyed there is no Vaccine for those that don't have it, and no resonable cure/ drug for those that do. The antivirals make m pretty ill at times... so I often go without.
thanks again, Miss Mcat
di1949
6 June 2015
Just wanted to add that I had the shingles vaccination 5 years ago now and although I would regularly get HSV2 outbreaks 3-4 times a year, I haven't had an outbreak since. Having shared this information with a long suffering friend who had outbreaks approx.every 8 weeks, she paid privately for a shingles vaccination 2 years ago now,and similarly has been free of cold sores ever since - apart from a small outbreak just after receiving the vaccination.
Hope other people will find this useful.
di1949
6 June 2015
My blood group is Rh -ve O
Kusanku
6 June 2015
That's great 1949. I wish you continued success! I also continue to do well with only one minor incident since the shingles vaccine and I'm not even sure it was herpes. Someone in the Pharma industry should do a study.
missmcat
6 June 2015
Wow, thanks ladies! and the idea to have the vaccine privately is a good one. As I am not the age to have my insurance cover it anyway, I was wondering how to get the vaccine. I doubt my 'Dr' would even rationally discuss the idea as a potential...
I have been off the anti-virals for a while now ( no partner, pout) and I wonder... question for di1949, her friend possibly and Kusanku ... were you on anti-virals at the time you had the vaccine? My reasoning for the question is this. I read a recent thread where the new HSV2 sufferer was put on the antivirals right away for a solid year. After that year she carried no viral load anymore.
As well, even though I am menopausal (early 50's) I am on hormones. And they know there is a link with progesterone and OB. And while I would love less OB, the hormones saved my life quite literally, so, ya know... And I defnitely did have a lovely string of OB right after going on the hormones. That was what made me curious about the potential link so I statrted to read medical studies.
So perhaps if you ladies are willing... an age range...
I will be visiting a new Gyno soon and have a list of things, lol, but top of the list is to have my HSV typed and the viral load done before I experiment. I have nothing to lose really and as I have stated, I am a curious soul.
thanks Missmcat
missmcat
6 June 2015
Oh and thanks di1949 for the blood group. I am now reading about that, as all I know about mine is the O+
I don't even know how to find out about all the factors you mentioned, hee.
Kusanku
8 June 2015
Missmcat, I've never used the antiviral. After living with this for 40 years I believe the best way to protect my wife is in knowing what's coming. I've always gotten clear indications before an attack and she remains herpes free after 25 years.
Kusanku
8 June 2015
Oh, and I missed the part in your earlier comment where you were only querying the women. I'm male. Sorry if I misled you.
missmcat
11 June 2015
Thanks Kusanku,
Not inquiring only women about the HSV2 though, so your responses and answers have been quite helpful. Just had directed ?'s w/ menopausal... so yea, you are out on that one. Though a mans hormonal profile changes as well. :-)
I too have never infected anyone (did a check w/ ex's recently) as I also knew what was coming.
You did not mislead... any info is good info as far as it goes for this p.i.t.a. disease.
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