Shingrix and Sore Arm: What Users Say

• Ter...
• June 5, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "1st dose Dec 2019 - muscle pain, joint pain, fever and chills, arm hurt all the way up into my shoulder. I’ve never reacted this badly to anything. I’m healthy, no underlying conditions. I’m a 52-year-old female. I put off the 2nd dose as long as I could, didn’t want to deal with side effects especially with covid happening. My mom and MIL (mother-in-law) both had shingles and I saw them suffer. It wiped out my healthy mom for a year. MIL had it on her face, she had to go to the ophthalmologist weekly because they worried it would go into her eye. Another friend had it on her butt cheek, she said she had to try to go months with no pants on, as it was excruciating to wear clothes. I got the 2nd dose yesterday, my arm is sore and I woke up in the middle of the night feeling like I had been hit by a truck: fever, shivering, joint and muscle pain again, headache - feel terrible. Gonna take some meds and ride it out. Hope to never get shingles, if it's even remotely comparable to the shot after-effects, I do not want it."

• 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."

• Mim...
• October 11, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Took my first Shingrix dose in Jan 2020. The side effect was severe. Even though the headache was mild, the chills were unbearable. I had to spend 2 days wearing a thick coat while shivering. Naturally, I was reluctant to take the second dose until my doctor talked me into it. When I took the injection in Oct 2020, the side effect was much milder. I just got a slightly sore arm and a mild temperature. About two days later, I woke up at night totally soaked with sweat. After that, I was back to normal."

• Vet...
• April 9, 2021

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Got my first injection in November 2019. Sore arm for a couple of days, not too bad. Second injection on February 12, 2020. Not so good. Within a few hours I became very tired, nauseous, and feverish. Slept all day until that evening when my wife woke me up concerned. She began asking questions that I could not respond to. The more I delayed answering, the more concerned she became. She thought I was having a stroke. She called one of her nurse friends with my symptoms and was told to call 911 or take me to the hospital. Three days in the hospital with stroke-like symptoms. MRI, CT scans, and blood work. Released on day three as I was beginning to recover from whatever it was. Side note: I have always been allergic to bee stings. Not today though. Last week I was stung on my leg and had no reaction. I believe this was all related to the vaccine, but I’m not a doctor. P.S. the neurologist had no idea what was wrong with me."

• 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."

• Luc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 19, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "62 y/o female. Had first dose in February. Only side effect was a sore arm for about 5 days. Had second dose this past Tues at 1:00 pm. By 7:00 pm, the arm pain started along with a headache. Next day, had a pounding headache, body aches, neck pain, and the injection site was sore to the touch and red. Took ibuprofen throughout the day with minimum relief. Before bed, I took 3 ibuprofen and 2 regular Tylenol. Next day, I felt 90% better except for my arm. Now, 3 days out and I'm back to normal. Arm is still a little sore but getting better each day."

• Vir...
• August 19, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I had my first Shingrix dose morning of 8/14. That night, I had a very sore arm to move or touch, severe abdomen pain, and a low-grade fever. On 8/15, the same symptoms and a very hot arm to the touch. Morning of 8/16, a rash appeared on my arm and was so painful to the touch and my arm was very feverish. On 8/17, the rash more than doubled and cluster blisters started to appear, along with a stiff, sore shoulder and neck. On 8/18, the rash spread from elbow to shoulder, now looking purple where it originally started. I went back to the doctor's office, they put me on cephalexin in case it's an infection. On 8/19, new cluster blisters appeared on the back of my shoulder and still burning sensations under the skin with feverish heat. I read it can't be shingles, but it feels like it and looks like it, only it started at the injection site and is spreading to my spine."

• Tat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 15, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "First dose of Shingrix in early July was fine. Sore arm at injection site, but nothing more. Yesterday, I had the second dose, and within two hours, I felt like I was hit by a truck - chills, body aches, diarrhea. Low-grade temp. Today is day two - splitting headache. Body aches. Hope it passes by tomorrow. I took this because, as a child, I had chickenpox, and the doctor recommended it as I am more at risk."

• Bro...
• January 10, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I’ve had mild psoriasis for 35 years that’s been static and isolated to my lower legs. At 62, I got my 1st Shingrix injection on 7/3/19. My arm was sore, but no big deal. The injection site was fine. The following week, I noticed a rash on my right thigh that looked like shingles. I went to my PCP and was given a prescription for Triamcinolone Acetonide. I received my 2nd injection on 9/11/19. I broke out in a chickenpox-like rash all over my body. Fluid-filled blisters that itched worse than poison ivy. I went to urgent care and was given Prednisone. As soon as I tapered off the Pred, the rash returned worse than before. I went to a dermatologist and was told the rash was psoriasis. I was given more Pred. Now, 4 months later, I still have horrible open sores and skin peeling off my hands and body. I have learned Shingrix has an adjuvant that kicks up your immune system (not good if you have lupus, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, i.e., an overactive immune system). Further, the adjuvant has never been used in humans before this vaccine."

• Jop...
• September 3, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Took the shingles vaccine two days ago and the night shivering the first night was wicked. I felt like I was hit by a truck. I still have a deep headache and night chills. I couldn’t lift my arm for about 24 hours. My arm is still very sore, though now I can use it. My whole body felt like I had severe allergies. I did not have a fever."

• Lak...
• August 30, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I got my 1st shot on a Thursday, got fever, chills, aching of my entire body, headache, sore arm, and felt awful. My fever went to 102.5, and I alternated ibuprofen and Tylenol. I couldn't sleep and basically felt I had a case of really bad flu. It is Sunday, and I am still running a fever. I am wondering when or if I will feel better. Not anxious to get the 2nd dose in 2 months."

• DrN...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 12, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I had Zostavax years ago with no problem. Oct 9th '18, I had the 1st Shingrix. It was a painful injection. The next day, my arm was so sore I could hardly move it. I was scheduled to attend a conference that day. I checked into the hotel and went straight to bed. I had fever, chills, and body aches for the next 2 1/2 days. My arm throbbed terribly. The fever, chills, and aches went away, but my arm was sore for 6 weeks. I am a nurse practitioner and believe strongly in the benefits of vaccines, but honestly I am afraid to get the second injection."

• jah...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 25, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Had my first Shingrix shot on 2/5/2020. Experienced a very sore arm for over three days. Felt like I had the flu. It has not been three weeks, and I still have pain in my arm when I lift it level or over my shoulder where the injection was. I also have swollen neck glands and feel extremely exhausted. Going for a full blood workup, but am wondering if anyone else has had this type of reaction."

• 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."

• 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."

• Vri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 14, 2018

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I had the first injection in the left arm on Feb. 18. Sore arm like I was punched. Second injection was in June. Not only can I barely use my left arm, but I am stiff in both legs/joints and have difficulty walking. I’m like a stiff old lady. I’m just 58! I had no problems like this until I took this vaccine. I regularly walk a couple of miles 3-4 times a week. Now, I struggle to get to the toilet in the mornings or any time I get up after sitting. I’m afraid this is going to be permanent! I wish I had never taken this vaccine!"

• Fre...
• October 10, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I got my 1st Shingrix in August. Arm was very sore, and the injection was painful, and I ran a fever for a day. Got the 2nd injection yesterday, and the shot was not painful at all, but I ran a fever all night and got nauseous and am still running a fever at present, but better than getting shingles for sure... watched my mom go through them."

• Jen...
• February 23, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Had the first shot in early Oct. felt like rubbish for a couple of days. I am a 72-year-old woman. Had the second shot Feb 22nd. Arm is quite sore, and I spiked a fever of 102.5 overnight. My mom had post-herpetic pain for 15 years, so even had I known I was going to have a strong reaction, I would get it again to never have to end my life in chronic pain."

• Joa...
• March 1, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I received the Shingrix shot 12/2019. The pharmacist explained it had to be injected into the muscle. It was a painful shot. My arm was very sore for 3 days, then I was back to normal. I’m due for my second shot in March 2020 and not looking forward to it, but I never want to get shingles, so I will bite the bullet."

• 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."

• Leo...
• September 6, 2018

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I'm a healthy 52-year-old female. Took the 1st Shingrix vaccine in April 2018. Had a very sore arm and mild flu-like symptoms for 2-3 days. Then the itching started inside both arms. This lasted about 3 weeks and subsided. Got the 2nd Shingrix vaccine in August 2018. Had mild flu-like symptoms and a sore arm again for 2-3 days... then the severe itching started on my neck, chin, and arm. It is so bad I have literally scratched the blood out, and nothing helps. I visited my doctor last week and was told that the vaccine boosts the immune system so strongly that it can cause eczema-type irritations that can last up to 3 months. I'm in my 5th week of miserable, sleep-disturbing itching. I honestly wish I'd never taken this vaccine. I'm so miserable. None of the warnings mention itching being a long-term side effect. I understand the mild flu-like symptoms, but this itching has me very worried. Never experienced anything like this before."

• RJa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 21, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Have had both Shingrix doses 6 months apart. 70 yr old male. First injection sore arm for several days and the injection itself hurt. Second one this past week I had sore arm for one day only and different person gave me the shot. I barely felt it. No other side effects at all, thankfully."

• Ric...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 22, 2020

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "I’m a healthy, active 51-year-old woman. Had my 1st Shingrix vaccine in August. Only had a sore arm and maybe a little tiredness from it. Had the 2nd several days ago, and within 10 hours, extreme fatigue hit, my arm was so sore I could barely move it, I was in bed shivering uncontrollably, had a terrible headache and nausea. Had a fever up to 102 for the next 24 hours. I felt horrible!! Could barely move the next day as every joint hurt. It has been 3 days, my arm feels much better, but am still tired, achy, and have a headache. I hope the vaccine was worth it."

• Top...
• September 21, 2019

For Herpes Zoster, Prophylaxis "Minimal side effects after the first shot. Mainly a sore arm. But the side effects from the second shot were horrible. It felt like the worst flu I'd ever had. I would ask respondents to wait until you've had the second (booster shot) before evaluating the side effects of Shingrix."