tractor
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Post by tractor on Oct 26, 2020 9:59:24 GMT -5
Anyone else have side effects from the shot?
On advice from my friends, I went and got my first shingles vaccine on Saturday. Saturday night found me with uncontrollable shivering, extreme body aches and a terrible headache. After a quick search on-line I found the manufacturer’s website indicating that those are all possible side-effects, which may be more severe if you are young and have a healthy immune system.
They weren’t kidding. I’m 51 and must have a robust immune system as that thing kicked my ass (I still need the second shot in 60 days).
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mollyanna58
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Post by mollyanna58 on Oct 26, 2020 10:05:11 GMT -5
I had my first shot recently. My arm hurt at the injection site for a few days. I have to go back for the second sometime next month.
A friend had her first injection a few days ago and complained about side effects, but I don't think they were as severe as yours. She's in her 80s.
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bean29
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Post by bean29 on Oct 26, 2020 10:06:26 GMT -5
I remember being very achy after getting it. DH got a big red rash where he got the fist Shingles shot.
I waited about 6 months to get the second shot b/c I had to allow for not feeling well all weekend. I pushed it out to the last minute...the pharmacy ended up telling me I only had maybe 2 weeks to follow through on 2nd shot, or the effectiveness would be suspect.
Now I need to get my regular flu shot for this year.
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tractor
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Post by tractor on Oct 26, 2020 10:13:50 GMT -5
I combined mine with the flu shot, that might have been my issue?
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swamp
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Post by swamp on Oct 26, 2020 10:19:54 GMT -5
I got mine. My doc told me that 50% of people have an adverse reaction similar to yours. I was fine. Other than a sore arm, no problem.
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Blonde Granny
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Post by Blonde Granny on Oct 26, 2020 10:23:34 GMT -5
I had no reaction to the first one, the second one was awful. It took me the weekend to start feeling better. Still think it's better than getting shingles.
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countrygirl2
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Post by countrygirl2 on Oct 26, 2020 10:41:16 GMT -5
It didn't bother hubs, just a sore arm for a bit. I got pretty sick, felt terrible for almost a week. The pharmacist said it was much stronger. Surprisingly, first flu shot in 10 years and didn't bother me at all. I need to get my second shingles soon and it worries me.
DD still can't get one till she is 50 next March.
Hubs mom got shingles they called last week. We thought they gave her a shot guess not. We need to see she gets all of them.
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gracendignity
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Post by gracendignity on Oct 26, 2020 10:47:52 GMT -5
I got both the flu vaccine and the 1st shingles shot this past Thursday. Both arms were sore--the shingles arm is still just a wee bit sore. Thursday night I had a very mild fever of maybe 100 and minor body aches for about 48 hours. I usually have no reaction to the flu shot, so I am guessing those mild side effects came from the shingles shot. I get shot #2 in late January and I will get it early in the week because I've heard of several who sailed through shot #1 and were knocked on their butts for shot#2.
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saveinla
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Post by saveinla on Oct 26, 2020 10:59:48 GMT -5
I thought the shot was not approved until you were 60. Has that changed?
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Tiny
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Post by Tiny on Oct 26, 2020 11:07:02 GMT -5
Yes. Got the Shingrex shot 2 years ago. I had an itchy, hot, tender hand sized rash at the injection point (ok, it didn't start out that big - but increased over 4 days to that size.) I resorted to putting some "anti itch" stuff I had to buy on it to get some relief - I was doing that for 3 days. My arm was uncomfortable for nearly 2 weeks. Within 24 hours of the shot I was terribly achy, maybe had slight fever, had a headache. I got the shot on a Thursday morning - I managed to get to work on Friday - but didn't make it to the Opera that night (1st ticket wasted). I felt crappy for the weekend I made it from the bedroom to the couch on Sat/Sun ( 2nd theater ticket wasted AND a family event missed). Somehow I managed to drag myself to work on Monday. Finally felt better on Tuesday - but spent that week going to work, coming home, going to bed. It took about 4 weeks for the rash to go away. I was a little apprehensive about the 2nd dose. The rash re-appeared at the injection site but it was just itchy/funky/weird for about 24 hours. I was tired for a couple of days and then I was fine (with an ugly red spot on my arm that didn't hurt or anything) It took about a week for the "redness" to go away. I felt a little off (tired, sort of achy) for about 24 hours and then I was OK. After that experience, I didn't tell people to NOT get the shot I suggested they "plan" to not be at the top of their game for some days after getting their shot. If I would have known MOST people experience what I did - i would have scheduled the shot for a week later - when I had 10 days of not much on my calendar.
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Post by The Walk of the Penguin Mich on Oct 26, 2020 11:10:36 GMT -5
I got mine last week. I was warned that that could be an adverse reaction. For me, my arm ached for a few days.
I finally found what the difference is between shingles vaccine and a chickenpox vaccine. About 13 years ago, I had to have proof of vaccination to do my practicum. I had chickenpox, no proof and the old scar on my forehead was not considered proof. Rather than have to go elsewhere to have blood drawn for a titer, I had them give me the vaccine instead. Same virus, so figured it would check off the box.
For most of this time, I was trying to find out what the difference was and everyone was clueless. I finally got the answer at the independent pharmacy I went to. Apparently the virus is both conjugated to another protein to increase immunogenicity, and given with an adjuvant. The adjuvant is what tends to cause the side effects.
Receiving the vaccine depends on your insurance. I’m 61, between my insurance and Medicare it was fully covered. When TD got his at 50, he had to pay.
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Tennesseer
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Post by Tennesseer on Oct 26, 2020 11:15:14 GMT -5
No problem with first shot. Tender around the area of the second shot. Age 67 at the time of the shots.
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Tiny
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Post by Tiny on Oct 26, 2020 11:23:42 GMT -5
I combined mine with the flu shot, that might have been my issue? Probably not. I got a "what to expect" two pages of info when I got the 1st Shingrex shot. It pretty much says that most people experience some side effects. (like Swamp said 50% or more people). And that some of those people experience more dramatic side effects. The "info" pages had how to tell if you should seek medical help that was more than a sentence. Flu shots don't come with that. I didn't know about the 2 pages of info and the "you probably aren't gonna feel all that great" after this shot - until I was in the Drs office waiting for the shot. I strongly suspect I would NOT have scheduled the shot for that day if I had known about the risk - especially since I had a full weekend of stuff immediately after the shot. I thought it wouldn't be much worse than a flu shot (or a tetanus shot or any of the other shots I've gotten during my adult years) a little discomfort and maybe a little "tired" feeling.
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alabamagal
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Post by alabamagal on Oct 26, 2020 11:50:41 GMT -5
I need to get the vaccine. Thanks to the info here I will probably do it at a time when I can afford to have a few days downtime.
I had a “mild” case of shingles 26 years ago. I was young and healthy but under a lot of stress as I just had my 3rd child in 4 years (which is how I know exactly how many years ago it was). It was super painful, but I didn’t get any long term problems. I did end up transmitting chicken pox to my kids right before the chicken pox vaccine came out.
I would definitely say the effects of the shot are easier to deal with than shingles.
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tractor
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Post by tractor on Oct 26, 2020 12:00:46 GMT -5
I thought the shot was not approved until you were 60. Has that changed? They now say 50, don’t know if/when that changed. I have been warned that shingles is something to be avoided if at all possible. I have friends my age who got it in their 40’s
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stillmovingforward
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Post by stillmovingforward on Oct 26, 2020 12:00:51 GMT -5
Yup, I was mine last year. I felt like I was getting the flu for abouta week. Chills, aches, slight fever, etc. But I've seen shingles and it's worth the discomfort of the vaccine!
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laterbloomer
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Post by laterbloomer on Oct 26, 2020 12:17:41 GMT -5
My arm was a tiny bit tender and I was tired for a couple of days. I go for the second one in December, here's hoping things go just as smoothly.
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dannylion
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Post by dannylion on Oct 26, 2020 14:16:53 GMT -5
I thought the shot was not approved until you were 60. Has that changed? Sometime last year, I believe, the recommendation was changed to age 50 (apparently without enough lead time for ramping up production), which led to larger numbers of patients presenting for the Shingrix vaccines, which led to a shortage. In some places it was difficult or impossible to get one or both of the Shingrix vaccines because they were always out of stock. Things appear to be better this year as production seems to have been adjusted to meet expected demand.
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TheOtherMe
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Post by TheOtherMe on Oct 26, 2020 14:34:54 GMT -5
I have not had the vaccine. I know I need to get it done.
I have had shingles and would not wish that on anybody.
My sister has had shingles twice--once as a kid and once as an adult. She also does not wish that on anybody.
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tractor
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Post by tractor on Oct 26, 2020 15:09:34 GMT -5
I have not had the vaccine. I know I need to get it done. I have had shingles and would not wish that on anybody. My sister has had shingles twice--once as a kid and once as an adult. She also does not wish that on anybody. I was told that getting it in your eye could lead to permanent blindness. As someone who touches his eye often, I didn’t want to take that chance.
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TheOtherMe
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Post by TheOtherMe on Oct 26, 2020 17:33:15 GMT -5
My doctor told me about the eyes and that it could lead to blindness.
When I had shingles, I thought I felt bad because it was during tax season and I was working 70 to 80 hours a week, 6 days a week. I thought I was just tired and had a funny rash.
Not the case, although I didn't miss work, I did only work 8 hour days for a week. And I did not feel well doing it.
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Tennesseer
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Post by Tennesseer on Oct 26, 2020 17:43:07 GMT -5
I have not had the vaccine. I know I need to get it done. I have had shingles and would not wish that on anybody. My sister has had shingles twice--once as a kid and once as an adult. She also does not wish that on anybody. I was told that getting it in your eye could lead to permanent blindness. As someone who touches his eye often, I didn’t want to take that chance. A friend of mine while being treated for cancer developed shingles in her/on her lungs. Pain was intense.
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kadee79
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Post by kadee79 on Oct 26, 2020 17:56:23 GMT -5
I had a major, major case of chicken pox when I was in my 20s. I was out of work for 6 weeks. Anyway, I got that first individual shot a few years ago...my pharmacist said I'd likely have a reaction to it since my chicken pox was so bad...she was correct. I had a hand sized red, itchy, bumpy rash for about 2 weeks. I asked my Dr. about getting the 2 shots that came out later...he asked if I'd had a reaction to the first one...when I told him he told me NO, do NOT get that 2 shot set...but I sure don't want shingles either...so I need to find out why not.
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Malarky
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Post by Malarky on Oct 26, 2020 18:56:09 GMT -5
I had a raging case of shingles when I was 40. I've been thinking about getting the vaccine. Now that i've read this thread I'll wait til January after my busy season is over.
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TheOtherMe
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Post by TheOtherMe on Oct 27, 2020 10:56:23 GMT -5
I had a major, major case of chicken pox when I was in my 20s. I was out of work for 6 weeks. Anyway, I got that first individual shot a few years ago...my pharmacist said I'd likely have a reaction to it since my chicken pox was so bad...she was correct. I had a hand sized red, itchy, bumpy rash for about 2 weeks. I asked my Dr. about getting the 2 shots that came out later...he asked if I'd had a reaction to the first one...when I told him he told me NO, do NOT get that 2 shot set...but I sure don't want shingles either...so I need to find out why not. I wonder if I should get a Shringix vaccine. I got the old shingles vaccine and had a rare reaction to it. I ended up on antibiotics for 2 weeks. My arm swelled to twice it's normal size with a burning, itchy, red bump. I was told I had an infection. Thus, the antibiotics.
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tractor
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Post by tractor on Oct 27, 2020 11:03:35 GMT -5
I had a major, major case of chicken pox when I was in my 20s. I was out of work for 6 weeks. Anyway, I got that first individual shot a few years ago...my pharmacist said I'd likely have a reaction to it since my chicken pox was so bad...she was correct. I had a hand sized red, itchy, bumpy rash for about 2 weeks. I asked my Dr. about getting the 2 shots that came out later...he asked if I'd had a reaction to the first one...when I told him he told me NO, do NOT get that 2 shot set...but I sure don't want shingles either...so I need to find out why not. I wonder if I should get a Shringix vaccine. I got the old shingles vaccine and had a rare reaction to it. I ended up on antibiotics for 2 weeks. My arm swelled to twice it's normal size with a burning, itchy, red bump. I was told I had an infection. Thus, the antibiotics. I have heard that if you got the old vaccine, they recommend you get the Shingrix shots. I guess you’ll have to ask your Dr. Shingrix is the one that caused my side effects.
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TheOtherMe
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Post by TheOtherMe on Oct 27, 2020 15:51:45 GMT -5
Whenever I decide it's safe enough to go back. I was really sick from the old vaccine. The welt on my arm was the size of a softball by the time I got to the doctor on Monday. Shot was given on Friday.
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countrygirl2
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Post by countrygirl2 on Oct 27, 2020 19:29:44 GMT -5
The pharmacy said if the docs office would write a prescription for it DD could get it. She will be 50 in March so will go in the next day and get it. I don't know if doc would write it or not. She can't get a pneumonia shot either. I worry about her.
I was reading where some with Williams Syndrome make it into their 60's. I honestly have my doubts that she will.
I went in to check on her awhile ago and she was sleeping, she does that a lot. She really does nothing and is always tired. I try to get her out several days a week just to get her out of the house, at least get a cheeseburger at McD's, that and Subway is her favorite. We used to go the the mall and Toys are Us. nothing much there and the Toys stores are closed. We do go to Books A Million, she likes going there.
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kadee79
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Post by kadee79 on Oct 27, 2020 20:03:20 GMT -5
Whenever I decide it's safe enough to go back. I was really sick from the old vaccine. The welt on my arm was the size of a softball by the time I got to the doctor on Monday. Shot was given on Friday. Talk to your Dr. & your pharmacist...often the pharmacy people know more than the Dr.s about these types of things.
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zibazinski
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Post by zibazinski on Nov 23, 2020 11:03:23 GMT -5
I had to get mine from a pharmacy and they don’t seem to know how to give shots, I’m glad I got them. No side effects other than a sore arm. But some people do feel poorly after. Still, I don’t want shingles. Ever. I’ll take the feeling poorly over that anytime.
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