Are the side effects of the second Shingrix shot as bad as the first?
Asked by: Danielle Haag | Last update: January 3, 2024Score: 4.9/5 (50 votes)
Is the second shot worse than the first? People tend to experience side effects after the second dose of the vaccine and not the first. While people can experience symptoms after the first dose, it's not common. The second vaccine is considered the worst of the two.
Why do I feel sick after my second shingles shot?
Shingrix causes a strong response in your immune system, so it may produce short-term side effects. These side effects can be uncomfortable, but they are expected and usually go away on their own in 2 or 3 days. You may choose to take over-the-counter pain medicine such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Does the second shingles shot have less side effects?
Side effects from the second dose of Shingrix are somewhat more common than the first dose, although that's not always the case. Most side effects of Shingrix are mild and resolve on their own.
How long after shingles vaccine are you contagious?
With the currently authorized shingles vaccine, Shingrix, you won't be contagious. The old vaccine, Zostavax, used a weakened form of the live varicella-zoster virus. Therefore, people worried about spreading the disease to the people around them. Shingrix doesn't use a live version of the varicella-zoster virus.
How soon do side effects start after Shingrix?
Typically, these side effects appear within hours or days of receiving the vaccination. They resolve on their own within 2–5 days. According to the Shingrix package insert, adverse reactions at the injection site are frequent, and the most common side effects of the shingles vaccine include: Pain: 78% of recipients.
What are the side effects of the shingles shot?
Do you shed virus after Shingrix?
Since Shingrix uses only a piece of the varicella-zoster virus to train the immune system, the vaccine can't cause illness in anyone else.
When is the best time to get the second shingles shot?
A: You should give the second dose of Shingrix 2 to 6 months after you gave the first dose. For individuals who are or will be immunodeficient or immunosuppressed and who would benefit from completing the series in a shorter period, the second dose can be administered 1 to 2 months after the first.
What are the side effects of the Shingrix vaccine in 2023?
If the new shingles vaccine made you feel worse than you expected, you're not alone. Skin rash, joint pain, flu-like symptoms, headaches and fatigue are some complaints from patients who've had the recently approved Shingrix vaccine.
Is the shingles vaccine well tolerated?
Both Shingrix and Zostavax shingles vaccines have been shown to be safe and well tolerated. Common side effects, such as soreness and redness at the injection site, are usually mild to moderate in intensity and resolve quickly on their own.
What medications to avoid after shingles vaccine?
Some products that may interact with this vaccine include: drugs that weaken the immune system (including cyclosporine, tacrolimus, cancer chemotherapy, corticosteroids such as prednisone), certain antiviral drugs (such as acyclovir, famciclovir, valacyclovir).
Can you take Tylenol after shingles shot?
You may choose to take an over-the-counter pain medicine such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen after getting Shingrix to ease discomfort from side effects. If you get side effects after the first dose of Shingrix, you should still get the second dose to get the full protection from the vaccine.
How long are you off work with shingles?
If the blisters are located on the face, you should not go back to work until they have crusted over (usually within 7 to 10 days). If the blisters are located in an area you can cover with bandages or clothing you may get back to work as soon as you feel well enough to do so.
Does Shingrix cause dizziness?
Severe allergic reactions to Shingrix are very rare. Signs of a severe allergic reaction can include hives, swelling of the face and throat, difficulty breathing, a fast heartbeat, dizziness, and weakness.
Does shingles make you tired?
Most cases of shingles cause severe pain and itching, and can leave scars. Fluid-filled blisters develop, break, and crust over during and a few weeks after an outbreak. You also may feel sick or fatigued, with a slight fever or headache. However, it is possible to have rashes that are so mild they're not even noticed.
What are the side effects of the shingles shot at Walgreens?
Some people also report experiencing muscle pain, tiredness, headache, shivering, fever and upset stomach after receiving the shingles vaccine. Serious adverse events following the shingles vaccine are rare. In very rare cases, people have developed a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis to the shingles vaccine.
Do you have to get the Shingrix vaccine every 5 years?
Shingrix is more than 90% effective in those 50 years old or older. In addition, the immunity remains strong for seven years after receiving the immunization.
How many times can you get shingles?
Once a person has chickenpox, the virus stays in their body. The virus can reactivate later in life and cause shingles. Most people who develop shingles only have it one time during their life. However, you can have shingles more than once.
Can you get flu and shingles vaccine at the same time?
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) says co-administration is safe and recommended, and advises that both recombinant and adjuvanted shingles vaccines can be given with the flu shot, in different arms.
Do I need another shingles vaccine after 5 years?
Protection from shingles vaccine lasts about 5 years. While the vaccine was most effective in people 60 through 69 years old, it also provides some protection for people 70 years old and older.
Can I get shingles vaccine and COVID booster at same time?
Yes. You can get a COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccinations like a flu or shingles vaccine at the same time or close together, according to the CDC.
Can Shingrix side effects last longer than a week?
The Shingrix vaccine can cause certain reactions and side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
How do you recover from Shingrix vaccine?
Taking an over-the-counter pain medicine such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen after getting Shingrix can help ease discomfort from side effects. Contact your doctor if you have serious side effects.
How long does Shingrix last in your system?
New data shows that the Shingrix vaccine is 89% effective at preventing shingles in older people for at least 10 years following the two-dose administration. Previous studies had shown the shingles vaccine offered protection for up to seven years.
Can you drink alcohol after a Shingrix shot?
There aren't any specific warnings or guidelines about alcohol and Shingrix. If you have concerns about drinking alcohol and getting the Shingrix vaccine, talk with your doctor.