Hey Nav said:

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Got the second installment of the shingles vaccine yesterday.

About 11pm I'm in bed and get the worst case of shivers I think I've ever experienced. Could not get warm. Noticed I also had a headache. Then about 5am I was praying to the porcelain god.

Little worried about Covid 19. My Dr seems to think it's a reaction to the vaccine. I feel like a truck ran over me.

I am told to monitor my temp and stay home (like I have the energy to leave the house) to be on the safe side.

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This happens a lot after the newer shingles vaccine, Shingrix.

That vaccine produces a pretty severe immune response which in the long run is good.

When I was a teenager my dad had shingles and he was miserable for over a month. I was certain I never wanted that. I asked my family Dr. and he said that I should take the series of two shots last year. Both my wife and I got the shots and basically had no reaction at all. Sure glad I didn't have the reaction that some of you had!

how is it that young are getting shingles? i thought you had to be over 70's ...

so what age shingles vaccine recommended? any pcp doc know?

50 years old

I had shingles when I was playing football in my Junior year of high school. Never had it again till about 8 years ago that was very painful and was on the right side of my back, under arms and chest......all on one side as is common according to my doc. He prescribed Valtrex and it really helped. Got it again about 4?yeras ago but got on the Valtrex at first sign and it was a mild case.
Got the new shot three months ago......ran a little fever and slight chills that night. Second shot same. Doc said it was good as showed it was working.
My dad had a bad case that I believe was a reason for an early death......it plaqued him for months in terrible pain.

Also thanks for all you do....God bless you sir.

Thanks and God bless you.

I am just blessed to be able to do what God made me for.

Had both shots. Sore arm for a couple days with the both shots. Brief bout with chills the night after the second shot.

wife just fwd me this thread- 2nd dose this am
had the 1st along w the flu shot and felt miserable for abt 2 days- just low key bleh and arm sore as heck; really hope this time it's better

Only had the first so far. Sore arm for a week, but no other issues. Im 59 and heard shingles horror stories all my life. Getting old is bad enough! Didn't need that!

First one put me on the couch the next day, but for just a day. Second one was no big deal.

These reactions to the Shinrix vaccine are pretty common. I would say around 20% maybe even 25% get fever, chills and fatigue for about 2 days. This means it is working, mounting a strong immune response. So just get it on Friday. However, those complaining I promise you those are a walk in the park compared to bad case of shingles.

I absolutely hate treating shingles! We give valtrex, steroids and pain medications. They only help a little. Many times the rash is gone but the severe burning feeling remains. This is called post herpatic neuralgia.

We give amitriptyline, neurotoxin or lyrica but patients still call sometimes for months in tremendous pain. Referring to the neurologist or dermatologist is rarely helpful as they are already taking the medications they use.

To put it in further terms the vaccine is like preparing for Arkansas State. Pretty harmless and you don't have to really worry about losing at all unless you are big 12 team. Lol. However, shingles is a game against Alabama and almost certainly there will be damages. Even if you win you are likely to have sustained significant injuries.

So I highly recommend getting the vaccine!

Reveille said:

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However, those complaining I promise you those are a walk in the park compared to bad case of shingles.

I absolutely hate treating shingles! We give valtrex, steroids and pain medications. They only help a little. Many times the rash is gone but the severe burning feeling remains. This is called post herpatic neuralgia.

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I agree with this. Had shingles when I was in my early 30's. Mild case overall and it still sucked more than the worst vaccine response. The itching and burning even with a mild case contained to my side and lower back region was nothing I'd want again. I had very early treatment.

Both wife & I had both the "old" single dose vaccination, and then the 2 dose Shingrix shot.

No side effects other than a little arm soreness from any of the shots.

Maybe the first vaccination muted any effects Shingrix might cause?