Shingrix and Fatigue: What Users Say (Page 3)

• Bob...
• February 18, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I had the first Shingrix shot in October 2019. Some mild arm soreness and some fatigue. I just had the second shot on February 15, 2020, and this time I was knocked out like many have reported. Severe body pain, extreme fatigue, terrible headaches, fever, and muscle ache. This lasted over a day, so I'm lucky unlike people who went through this for 3 or more days. If the adjuvant is the cause, the medical researchers need to find a better one and as quickly as possible."

• Bob...
• February 18, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I had the first Shingrix shot in October 2019. Some mild arm soreness and some fatigue. I just had the second shot on February 15, 2020, and this time I was knocked out like many have reported. Severe body pain, extreme fatigue, terrible headaches, fever, and muscle ache. This lasted over a day, so I'm lucky unlike people who went through this for 3 or more days. If the adjuvant is the cause, the medical researchers need to find a better one and as quickly as possible."

• Ran...
• February 10, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I’m a 57-year-old female; received the vaccine 3 days ago. About 18 hours post-vaccination, I was overcome with chills, severe fatigue, muscle aches, and headache. Each day, I wake feeling rested only to find myself back in bed in the afternoon due to being overcome by fatigue. Like others, I am not in any hurry to sign up for the second shot. Curious why some of us struggle more than others."

• Pat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 21, 2018

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I am a 61-year-old female in good health. The first shingles shot only caused a sore injection site on my arm. I had the second shot yesterday, 16 hours later, I am experiencing fever, very bad cold chills, extreme fatigue, and every muscle in my body aches. Feels like the flu, which I have not had in many, many years. If I had known I would get this sick, I would not have had this vaccine. I don't see how a vaccine can be approved for use that makes people so sick."

• Kat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 28, 2018

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "55 y/o female. My mom had bad shingles. I have a fairly poor immune system, so I figured I should get this shot. TOTAL REGRET. First shot in May 2018, and it wasn't good. Same symptoms as everyone describes: 3 or so days of intense headache/pressure, bad chills, fatigue so awful you can't move. I dreaded shot #2. I wish I hadn't gotten it. I put it off but finally did it just this morning. I feel like death. I worry if all of us will have long-term issues, I see some on here say they do already. I am feeling worse than the first time. This stuff better be worth it because it is brutal. WISHING EVERYONE THE BEST."

• Jac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 3, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Here is my side effect timeline after the 1st shot: 0-12 hours - slight pain in arm where shot was placed. 12-18 hours - body aches and chills identical to what I get with the flu. Bad enough that all I could do was lay in bed under an electric blanket. 18-20 hours - body aches and chills start to go away. Fatigue takes over. Hot shower and Advil helped at this point. 20-36 hours - fatigue faded away. After 36 hours - feel normal except for slight pain in arm."

• fla...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 25, 2020

"50 y/o female, 150 lbs, healthy, active. Felt fine when I went in for the first injection. Within 2 hours, arm was very sore, could not sleep on that side. Next day, arm still sore. By end of day 2, I had a severe headache, could not lie down, made it difficult if not impossible to sleep. Day 3, fatigue, mild headache, sore muscles, neck pain, sore joints, injection site tender to the touch but less painful than previous 2 days. My husband, 62 y/o male, 220 lbs with hypertension, only had soreness in his arm, no other side effects."

• Lam...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 11, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Trials indicated the vaccine is very effective. Having had post-herpetic neuralgia in the past, I definitely wanted to get the vaccine to avoid the shingles nightmare. It's a horrible disease. First dose, no problem. Second dose - kicked. My. Butt. Fever, chills, sweats, fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, headache, large painful local reaction. I basically stayed in bed for 3 days. In other words, a robust immune response. I did read the data on adverse events, and this kind of response is not uncommon, so I was not concerned, but I was very surprised to have such a severe reaction. Husband had no reaction whatsoever, barely a sore arm. We are both in our early 60s in good health. I felt much better on the 4th day and was back to normal activity on the 5th day. Vaccine was free under my ACA insurance. Yay."

• Uni...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 9, 2018

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "For herpes zoster prophylaxis. I am a 52-year-old female in good health. The first shingles shot caused a sore injection site on my arm plus a very large raised area that was hot to the touch, these went away after a week. I then had the second shot yesterday. Nineteen hours later, I am experiencing fever, very bad cold chills, shivering, joint pain, and extreme fatigue, and every muscle in my body aches. Feels like the flu, which I have not had in many, many years. If I had known I would get this sick, I would not have had this vaccine. I’m now concerned with what they may find out about this vaccine in the future."

• Deb...
• September 15, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "The first Shingrix injection was fine other than a sore arm (small price to pay). I had body aches, fever, and nausea with the second injection three months later. Lasted 12 hours, then fatigue for another day. Still a small price to pay considering how awful shingles can be."

• Itc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 23, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Very fit, active woman, 72, no history of adverse response to any medication. First Shingrix injection at noon Thursday, June 20, left upper arm. Friday, June 21: Fatigue (slept much of the day), body aches, chills, headache, injection site 2' diameter, red & itchy. Read reviews of side effects on this site. Slept hot that night. Saturday, June 22: Headache, injection site 6' rectangle, red, itchy. Raised red rash appeared on both arms from injection site (corresponding location on right arm) down to wrists. On left arm, 4' above wrist, 1.5' diameter itchy red patch. A long-healed scratch directly above the patch turned red with blisters along the scratch line. Sunday, June 23: No improvement in rash, still red, very itchy. Have not used any remedy such as cortisone cream. Plan to be at doctor's office tomorrow at opening. No way will I get the second injection."

• Mis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 3, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "59, female. Had the first shot 10/30, no problems besides arm pain. Had the second shot 12/31. Had no idea there was a possibility of side effects (my mistake for not looking into what was being injected into my body), but early evening, in addition to arm pain, dizziness, then joint pain, fever, raised rash down my arm, migraine-like headache, general malaise. Took Tylenol, Benadryl, Lyrica, and sleep! It’s been rough, but the vaccine is a good thing. I’ve seen what shingles can do to someone’s life."

• sor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 17, 2021

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "This is a powerful vaccine. I had the second dose yesterday. Today, I've had fatigue, body aches, chills, fever, and a racing heartbeat of 110 to 120 beats. The pharmacists did warn me that I'd be sick for two days, so I have another day of this ahead of me."

• Dwi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 26, 2018

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Mother of vaccines!! Side effects are horrific!!! Fever, chills, nausea...big time! Abdominal discomfort, cramps, muscle aches, zero energy. Still suffering after 6 days!!! Does anyone know when it will stop!!!"

• MJa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 10, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I had my first Shingrix injection in September. I had a very sore arm and felt sluggish for a few days, but it didn't stop me. I had my second shot Tuesday, October 8th. Based on my experience with the first shot, I took Advil right before I got the shot. My arm was very sore when I went to bed, and I woke around 4 AM, and it hurt much worse. I took 2 more Advil and went back to sleep. The pain was reduced, and I went about my day until around 6 or 7 when I started feeling sore all over, became very tired, and got the chills. I barely had an appetite. I made it to almost 10 so I could walk my dog, then went to bed, taking more Advil. Today my symptoms are present, but have reduced. If I don't get shingles, it will all be worth it. PS, Medicare doesn't pay for the shots, so I spent well over $300 for the shots."

• EMT...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 21, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "14 hours after the initial Shingrix vaccine, I woke to chills and a 101 fever, along with a chickenpox-like rash 2 inches around the very sore injection site, headache, and aching joints. Gee, just like when I came down with influenza in 1999! Day 2 mild fever and aforementioned symptoms plus total malaise. I have a medical and public health background and am considering not getting the #2 dose. 90% efficacy with 1 dose and goes to 97% with dose 2. I think I'll play the odds and skip the 2nd dose!"

• Tom...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 5, 2018

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "By far the most problem-prone vaccination I've ever had. Muscle ache at the injection site that lasted for weeks, fatigue for weeks after. Since the manufacturer can't follow the most basic healthcare principle of 'primum non nocere,' or first do no harm, why should anyone believe that this won't cause even more problems down the road? No second dose for me."

• Rec...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 5, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I’m a 67-year-old male. I had a mild case of shingles in my early 20s. All I remember about it was raised bumps all in a row on my back and a lot of pain. I had the previous version of the shingles shot 6 years ago and had no reaction that I can recall. I am relatively healthy for my age and take no prescription meds. I got the shot at Costco 2 days ago. My symptoms started about 10 to 12 hours later: chills, headache, fatigue, loss of appetite. Today is day 2, and I have a headache and gastro pain. I’m taking Advil and using a heating pad. I’m retired. If I were still working, I would have missed 2 days. From what I’m reading here, I can still have side effects from the 2nd dose. Having had shingles before, I’ll get the 2nd shot, but I’m dreading it."

• Lib...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 11, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "69 yr-old woman, had 1st Shingrix July 2019. Arm was very achy for a few days. 2nd shot yesterday, extreme achiness in arm immediately. Not so bad, I thought. Then I woke from a kind of strangling nightmare early this morning. I ache everywhere, including my fingernails, have a headache, chills, extreme fatigue. My arm is still very painful, but it’s the flu-like symptoms that kept me in bed all day. So glad I read all about side effects because the pharmacist didn’t say a word. No regrets, though. I’ve seen shingles in action. My 90 yr-old mother got it and was in severe pain. She will rarely even take a Tylenol, but she had to take Vicodin for several days. I never ever want shingles. These side effects will go away eventually, but shingles can go on for weeks; it also often recurs. I’m thrilled this highly effective vaccine is available."

• Reb...
• December 31, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I am a healthy 61 (closer to 62) year old female LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse). I had the first dose of Shingrix 2 months ago. I had more pain at the injection site than from any other immunization I have ever had. For 3 days, I used a heat pad on the muscle area and took a combination of 600 mg Ibuprofen and one 500 mg Extra Strength Acetaminophen. I experienced some general 'blah' feelings that went on for about 3 days as well. Getting the second dose yesterday was hard, knowing how painful the first one was. No one wants to do something they know is going to make them hurt or feel bad! Having arm pain as before. This morning, I had chills and a bit more 'flu-like' aches, headache, and low energy. Not much appetite. My resting heart rate has been slightly elevated. Normally 70 bpm but running 90-93 bpm today. I feel increased fatigue with slight activity. So, though definitely not pleasant, these side effects, if the effectiveness is as high as stated, it's worth it."

• Reb...
• December 31, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I am a healthy 61 (closer to 62) year old female LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse). I had the first dose of Shingrix 2 months ago. I had more pain at the injection site than from any other immunization I have ever had. For 3 days, I used a heat pad on the muscle area and took a combination of 600 mg Ibuprofen and one 500 mg Extra Strength Acetaminophen. I experienced some general 'blah' feelings that went on for about 3 days as well. Getting the second dose yesterday was hard, knowing how painful the first one was. No one wants to do something they know is going to make them hurt or feel bad! Having arm pain as before. This morning, I had chills and a bit more 'flu-like' aches, headache, and low energy. Not much appetite. My resting heart rate has been slightly elevated. Normally 70 bpm but running 90-93 bpm today. I feel increased fatigue with slight activity. So, though definitely not pleasant, these side effects, if the effectiveness is as high as stated, it's worth it."

• Eva...
• September 4, 2018

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I experienced only pain in my arm after the first shot, however, the second shot, two months later, was a different experience. I received the shot on Saturday at noon and woke up at midnight with severe body aches, shivers, fever, and nausea, eventually throwing up. The 101 fever, pains, and fatigue continued to the next day. Otherwise, I am a very healthy individual."

• Jak...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 24, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I had my first injection in September 2020. Within 2 days, I felt like I was hit by a truck. Temperature of 100.5, body aches, pain at the injection site, and fatigue. I never had any such symptoms from my previous vaccines. The symptoms lasted for 3 hours, then I was back to normal. I've been dreading getting the second injection due to the side effects but finally did it this past Sunday. Within 24 hours, I've had all of the above symptoms again. With a temperature of 99.7 to 101.9. In this age of COVID, you start to wonder if it's a lot more than side effects from Shingrix. My 2 rapid tests were negative though. It's almost 4 days since I took my second injection, and the symptoms still haven't subsided. I hope I'm better by tomorrow. I'm not sure if I can recommend this vaccine to anyone. It's the worst."

• Sar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 22, 2022

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Pretty much the worst experience I have ever had with a vaccination. This shot is awful and left me wondering if I should just risk a shingles experience. The actual shot is extremely painful and burns your entire arm for hours. Then your entire body gets sore and achy. I woke up in the middle of the night with the most violent shivers, I thought I was having a seizure. Then came the splitting headache, fever, nausea, and fatigue. Feels like the worst case of flu. At this point, there is no way anyone can convince me to go back for the recommended second dose of this nightmare."

• Ste...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 31, 2018

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I had the first shot yesterday, and a few hours later the arm I got the shot became very sore, to the point that moving or lifting it was excruciating. I was not expecting that! I had a hard time sleeping last night due to the arm pain. Now on day 2, and I still have the arm pain, but it has lessened a bit, but I’m now also fatigued and have a feeling of general malaise. I’ve never had a reaction to a vaccine like this before, and I’m dreading the second shot."