Shingrix and Fatigue: What Users Say

• tsc...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 2, 2021

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Had my COVID vaccine and thought the side effects were bad - fever, chills, muscle and joint aches, fatigue, anorexia, migraine. All disappeared after 24 hours. With Shingrix vaccine, I had all of the above plus a painful rash. The Shingrix side effects lasted 3 days for me. I'm a neurologist and treat patients with debilitating post-herpetic neuralgia down the face/eye, sciatic nerve, etc. PHN can eviscerate anyone physically and emotionally long-term so I bit the bullet and got the vaccine. My pharmacist told me I'd just get some redness at the injection site. That is not true. Be prepared to be out of commission for a few days."

• Bea...
• August 26, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Wednesday, August 12, 2020, 2nd Shingrix vaccine. 1st in March was pretty much uneventful. Sunday afternoon dizziness started. Headaches, night sweats, heavy legs, big toe twitching, legs shaking, cold even though house was 80°F. Felt out of it. No appetite. Eyes blurry. Sneezing. Ears ringing. Dry cough. Bad taste in mouth. Fatigue worst days 5 & 6. Itching, burning skin, slight rash on around day 8. Random muscle pains and spasms. Super ANXIOUS, but I tend to be an overly stressed out type. Heart racing. Stomach not good day 10 & 11. No appetite, abdominal discomfort. Diarrhea on day 11 with foul smell. Day 11: Slight night sweats, super dizzy. Day 13: BETTER. Not 100%, but I’m feeling better. All lab work negative. I searched forums like this one to find out why I felt so horrible, other people confirmed similar responses to Shingrix. I wish more people would follow up afterwards. To share that it can and will get better."

• Emi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 4, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Received the Shingrix vaccine last night, along with the flu vaccine. Woke up this morning in excruciating pain in my left arm, barely had the ability to walk to the bathroom. I have cold chills, muscle weakness, and fatigue. I also feel like I have an earache. I am a nurse for the state and actually had to call off work. I even took 400 mg ibuprofen with no relief."

• Zep...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 21, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "My husband and I got the first shot in February. Maybe a sore arm, but nothing that I really remember and no hesitation to get second. Second shot in July. Both of us had extreme pain in our arm. I was sick - fever, headache, chills, and horrible joint and muscle pain along with debilitating fatigue for 3 days. My husband also had symptoms but not as severe as mine. After two and a half weeks, my fatigue is still terrible, and my husband’s arm is still sore. Even with these side effects, it’s better than getting shingles. Really just wish we had been warned about them. This is the worst side effects I have had from a vaccine."

• Bac...
• March 11, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I am 61 years old and was diagnosed three years ago with Hashimoto's hypothyroidism, and thought it would be prudent to get the Shingrix vaccine. Both my family doctor and endocrinologist said it would not be a problem. I was given the vaccine in August 2019 at 10:00 a.m. The injection site hurt, but I was not concerned. I woke up at 2:00 a.m. in excruciating pain. I had uncontrolled shivering, extreme joint pain, and a severe headache that lasted for hours. At 6:00 a.m., my fever was 102°F. I believe it had been higher. My fever broke later, but I had continued joint pain and extreme fatigue that lasted for days to weeks to months now in some form or another. I am aware my thyroid condition involves those varying symptoms to begin with, but 8 months later I am still struggling daily with physical pain and believe the Shingrix shot took my condition to a whole new level with no end in sight."

• Hel...
• August 5, 2020

"Within one hour of my Shingrix shot, fever 101.3. Fever escalated. Pain in arm and lymph nodes extreme, and couldn’t move arm for two days. 24 hours after shot, went to Emergency Urgent Care for upper respiratory reaction, low blood pressure, chills, fever, and the most severe lung pain. Given prednisone for weeklong dosage. Fatigue has been horrible. Upper respiratory symptoms still present after prednisone treatment. Lungs STILL irritated. One week later, fatigue causing 12-16 hours of sleep daily, still lung pain, inhaler, anti-inflammatory or aspirin, allergy meds. I will NOT take the second dose and am furious at the severity of my reaction. Whatever caused the reaction should be made known."

• Pjs...
• August 24, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Had my first dose on July 2, 2019. I am a healthy 65 years old woman who shows dogs, trains horses, and stacks 200 bales of hay in an afternoon. Normally, in the past 6 weeks, I have developed profound exhaustion, large muscle weakness, and am physically exhausted after just walking across the yard a couple of times. I normally put in 14,000 steps just doing barn chores. Now I am in bed by 7 or 8 when my normal is 1 am and my muscle weakness is keeping me from all my activities of daily living. I would rather have had shingles. I will not get the second shot. I am not a weenie at all. My upper arms, quads, and glutes are so fatigued all the time and my eyes have both been twitching for days. This is crazy. I'm miserable."

• Kba...
• February 2, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Female, 57. I went for the first shingles vaccination in July 2019. Six months to the day, I had my second vaccination, along with a tetanus shot that I was due for. (The doctor said fewer symptoms if shots are spread further apart). After the first shot, I experienced a sore arm and redness around the injection site. I felt sluggish for a couple of days, but nothing bad. After the second shot, there was minimal soreness and redness. I felt good for the first 24 hours, then had a headache, night sweats, and very vivid dreams the second night. I’m not sure if the six-month wait makes a difference. The reactions can differ. My suggestion is to get the shot on a Friday so you have the weekend to recover if you feel sluggish. My sister had shingles on her face (no vaccinations). She wanted to die because of the pain. It's definitely worth a few days of feeling a little under the weather. Get the vaccine. Also, remember that bad experiences are voiced more than good. There are many people who have little to no issues."

• DCa...
• August 28, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I will NEVER receive the second vaccination. I took the first shot on July 12, 2019. I had a painful arm that woke me for 3 nights, then a slight headache, achy & mild fatigue. Night 5, I developed chills so bad my whole body was shaking. Woke on day 6, and I could not stand up. Ears were ringing & room spinning. Nearly passed out. Crawled to the bathroom & vomited. I had blisters in my ear & inside my lips. My right arm broke out in an itchy rash. Nauseated for 3 hours. I have debilitating brain fog. At 6 weeks, the dizziness has lessened but is still there. Eyes are glassy & ears still ringing. Fatigue is beyond description. I have missed days of work. I have had an EKG, an MRI, VNG & hearing test. I am going to vestibular therapy and 4 doctors. The neurologist started me on Prednisone, which has intensified my fatigue, and my gums have broken out with blisters. I am 59 with some immune issues. I figured this would be the lesser of two evils. I am fearing I have ruined my life."

• DCa...
• August 28, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I will NEVER receive the second vaccination. I took the first shot on July 12, 2019. I had a painful arm that woke me for 3 nights, then a slight headache, achy & mild fatigue. Night 5, I developed chills so bad my whole body was shaking. Woke on day 6, and I could not stand up. Ears were ringing & room spinning. Nearly passed out. Crawled to the bathroom & vomited. I had blisters in my ear & inside my lips. My right arm broke out in an itchy rash. Nauseated for 3 hours. I have debilitating brain fog. At 6 weeks, the dizziness has lessened but is still there. Eyes are glassy & ears still ringing. Fatigue is beyond description. I have missed days of work. I have had an EKG, an MRI, VNG & hearing test. I am going to vestibular therapy and 4 doctors. The neurologist started me on Prednisone, which has intensified my fatigue, and my gums have broken out with blisters. I am 59 with some immune issues. I figured this would be the lesser of two evils. I am fearing I have ruined my life."

• Ace...
• January 4, 2021

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I got the Shingrix injection in August 2020, worse mistake of my life. I’m a 57-year-old female who up until now has been very active. Since the injection, I’ve been living with extreme arm pain, throbbing, shooting pain down my arm, numbness in my hand, can’t sleep, extreme fatigue, constant headache, and can’t sleep. I’ve been going to a specialist to figure out what I can do about the symptoms. I haven’t been able to work due to the pain. This is going on 5 months, and I’m miserable, can’t lift my arm up past my waist without extreme pain. I wish the provider would have told me about the possible side effects before getting the injection, and I would not have gotten it."

• Hun...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 20, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "This is so bad, it is scaring me from taking the second shot. It's been three weeks tomorrow, and I still feel horrible. I was so dizzy I almost fell in the shower the day after, and that went on for a good week. I could not sleep for two nights due to arm pain. I have also had chills and fever, pounding headaches, and nightmares. One night last week, I suddenly felt like I was suffocating. I am still so fatigued I cannot stand more than a few minutes at a time without feeling like I am going to collapse. I also get shooting pains all the way down into my wrist, back, and collarbone. I am afraid I will never feel better. I have never had a reaction to any vaccine before."

• CLa...
• August 9, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Took first (and last) vaccination on Friday 8/8/20 at around 1:30. All was fine until Saturday morning ~2 a.m. Woke up chilling, shaking with fever. Suffered through the night, and all day Saturday felt like death. Body aches, fever, fatigue. Had a diet of extra strength Tylenol and ibuprofen. By the way, the ibuprofen seemed to work best for me. Woke up some time early morning Sunday, aches gone, fever gone, still pretty fatigued. Arm feels like it’s been run over by a truck. Just know that you could be out for a couple of days after this vaccine. I have a friend who, except for a sore arm, was unaffected. God bless!"

• Hik...
• September 5, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I am a 57-year-old female, 111 lbs. Had the first shot at my doctor's office from my nurse, of Shingrix on Wed, Sept 2. The first day was very hard: extreme pain in the arm, red rash, exhaustion, malaise, confusion. Second day medium hard, today not as bad. Took pain reliever and used ice packs for 72 hours. It’s unlikely that I will do the second shot."

• MMa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 22, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Female, 56. First Shingrix dose on 11/15, was having surgery on the 19th. After the vaccination, I had aches and flu-like symptoms for a day, which concerned me because of my scheduled surgery. Symptoms went away after 24 hours. Second dose was yesterday, and again I feel like I have the flu: aches, headache, fatigue. DEFINITELY get this on the day before a long weekend if you can, to let side effects abate. The pharmacist who gave me the second shot asked if I had been sick because of the first. At that point, I had forgotten the symptoms I'd had... but she said a LOT of her patients were telling her the shot made them sick. Be aware. Shingles is a horrible disease, especially as you age. My mother had it at about 76 and was in agonizing pain for weeks. This little flu-like thing is much less annoying than actual shingles."

• Ra_...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 4, 2023

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I’m 35, and I have rheumatoid arthritis. The doctor recommended I get a vaccine before starting a new biologic. I’ve had shingles twice in the past. Only adverse reactions to the pertussis vaccine as a kid. Received Shingrix on 4/17/23. 12 hours later, woke with a high fever, felt delirious, and was on the verge of fainting for three hours. Took ibuprofen and Tylenol, which eventually broke the fever. High pulse 147. Then the throat tightness and itching began. Went to urgent care two days in a row, diagnosed with an adverse immune reaction. Placed on prednisone taper after the second visit, the doctor noted throat irritation and both of my arms swelled with a rash. Extremely fatigued, no appetite, high pulse. Throat tightness persisted with itching. Extremely anxiety provoking. As a result, it’s been two weeks since the vaccine, and throat episodes clearing slowly with less frequency and intensity with each passing day. Prescribed EpiPen in case. Living off antihistamines still."

• Red...
• August 23, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "54-year-old woman, within hours after my first dose of Shingrix vaccine, my arm was pretty sore. Then that evening, I was having to apply ice packs directly on both my feet because of the severe burning and stabbing shooting pain in both feet, and my feet were red from where they felt like on fire. I have neuropathy in my feet from being type 2 diabetic, but I never felt such intense burning and sharp pains like I did starting that evening. The next day, after a night of discomfort, extreme fatigue kicked in, and all-over body pain with headache. Day 3, and I've begun a fever and I'm still extremely exhausted with a headache and all-over body pain. My blood sugar is up in the 170s, which is high for me. I've tried even my prescription pain medication for relief, with no results. I go for the 2nd dose in 2 months. They say side effects last about 3 days. I hope I feel better soon. It's a battle between needing sleep from extreme exhaustion."

• gui...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 17, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I was at the doctor's office for internal bleeding, and they popped up, giving me the shingles vaccine out of the blue. My father had shingles, and it was very painful for him, so I said okay without research. I've never had a reaction to a vaccine. It left the shot area very painful for days. It's been 3 weeks now, and I'm still having problems with my left arm becoming very painful out of the blue and fatigue out of the blue. I'm wondering how long this will last, and I'm not sure I will take the second shot. Beware!"

• AAF...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 23, 2023

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I received my first Shingrix vaccine shot in November 2022, after which I experienced muscle aches. When I received the second shot on February 18, 2023, the pharmacy tech did not provide me with any information about what to expect, except for commenting that it 'should be easier' than the first shot. However, he was very wrong. I should have done my research beforehand. I received the second shot at 3:30 PM, and by 6:30 AM the next morning, I felt like I had been hit by a truck. I experienced massive and constant chills, headache, exhaustion, malaise, nausea, heartburn, diarrhea, muscle aches and pains, dizziness, vertigo, sneezing, and the upper arm that had been injected was extremely sore for five consecutive days. I even developed a small rash around the vaccine injection site. These symptoms lasted for about 48 hours. Around 24 hours later, I developed a sore throat, congestion, and the sneezing returned, along with exhaustion/malaise. Even now, five days after the second Shingrix vaccine shot, I'm still not feeling well enough to resume all of my daily activities."

• MBa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 25, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "56-year-old female and relatively healthy, other than HBP (high blood pressure). Received first Shingrix shot yesterday, 7/23/20. Low-grade fever started this afternoon (12 hours later), 99.5-99.8. Arm is sore but not terribly so. I feel sluggish but not overly fatigued. The sudden fever gave me pause because of COVID, but then I remembered the side effects listed for the vaccine. Hopefully, this will pass in a day or so. I had shingles when I was 48, and I do not want to experience that again-complete misery for 3 weeks."

• Nan...
• October 21, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Female, 65, mild case of MS. After the first dose in June, had 3 days of flu symptoms, fatigue, nausea, muscle pain. Tylenol, sleep, soak in bath salts, stretching helped, ate lightly and fell into deep sleeps. Mid-Oct, reluctantly went for the second shot, figuring shingles prevention for the rest of my life was worth it. An older sister had a bad case a few years ago - something to avoid! Scheduled my life this time for 3 days to recover. Side effects this time only half as bad. Worth it to me. This site attracts the worst stories. My pharmacist said most of her people reported 1-3 days feeling bad, like me. Manageable. Some had very little reaction. None extreme or longer than 3 days. For the second shot, I went in late afternoon for an early bedtime. Had a swimming workout beforehand, light lunch, felt good with body charged up. Perhaps that helped. Stayed on Tylenol, drank Coca-Cola, green tea, had much less nausea. Slept deeply. Discomfort worth it for protection from much, much worse, I think. Good luck!"

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 3, 2025

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I had the first injection at 9 am, by 6 pm, I could hardly move my arm. Slept erratically, stayed in bed half the next day. Flu symptoms. Took paracetamol and was generally fatigued, but the day after, I picked up. Started to feel better, and within 3 to 4 days after the injection, felt fine. What for me has been the best ever advantage so far is that I had weekly herpes genitalis flare-ups all through the winter, lasting up to 10 days sometimes. Since the Shingrix jab, I’ve had two very small, quickly healed flare-ups. I also had shingles on one side of my face some years ago that debilitated me for months, and the pain was indescribable. So I just need to get the second shot, and I'm all done."

• Kat...
• November 19, 2020

"At my annual physical, my doctor recommended the Shingrix vaccine due to my being over 60 years old. I am in excellent health. I had the older shingles vaccine a few years ago with no side effects. Within 12 hours of receiving the Shingrix vaccine, I felt fatigued and fluish for the next 24 hours and couldn't get off the couch, but with no fever. After 24 hours, I woke up feeling great, but then that evening developed extensive red spots/rash on both of my upper thighs - first flat red, then blistery/raised bumps, and then gone within several hours. It has now been a week since I received the vaccine, and I continue to develop a rash like clockwork every evening around 6 PM. The rash is now much less severe-looking and seems to come and go within 30 minutes. The rash does not itch. My doctor recommends that I do not receive the second dose."

• oal...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 22, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "50 y/o female, 3 days out from the vaccination. Side effects started 5 hours after the injection. 2nd day was absolutely horrible, today is slightly better. 101 fever, joint/muscle pain, severe headache, injection site pain, fatigue, diarrhea. Get the vaccination when you know you have some recovery time. Be prepared to not accomplish anything or go anywhere for those days. Stock up on easy, soothing foods/beverages as you will have zero energy to drive/shop/cook and may very well have an upset stomach. Do NOT get it at the same time as your spouse. One of you needs to be able to fully function/drive/take care of the other. You can trade places in a couple of weeks. :) Think about which side you want it on. I chose my left since I am right-handed, but that came back to bite me since I prefer to sleep on my left side. I gave it a low 'star' rating simply because of the harsh side effects, but I'll deal with this over getting shingles any day of the week."

• Fri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 14, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "40-year-old female who is active and is in good general health. Having a history of seasonal allergies is what caused me to develop a weakened immune system. I developed shingles in July 2020. 1st Shingrix vaccine received on 10/11/20. I had no side effects other than a sore arm and fatigue for 1-2 days. 2nd Shingrix vaccine received on 12/11/20. Within 12 hours after receiving this injection, I developed severe chills... I had to sleep with my winter coat on while my comforter was over me... that is how cold I got. Once the chills ended, the fever began, and I had fever all night of 102 degrees... my comforter was now soaked from sweat. I took Tylenol and the fever was reduced. The side effects of the vaccine are strong but temporary. Shingles is a painful virus to have, and so the vaccine side effects are not that bad. I'm glad I took the vaccine... it was definitely worth it for me."