Shingrix Woes

[tridacna]

I had the Shingrix vaccine last week. My shoulder was so sore for two days that I could not dive. It was as if a giant wasp had stung me. Lasted 48 hours then fine. Bad news is that I have to have the second dose in a few months. At least I can plan around it!

 

[Doc]

Hang on,


I'll have Jenny McCarthy give you a buzz.

 

[CathyE]

I agree, it was the most painful vaccine I have ever had. My husband said his second most painful one, but it kept him sicker for longer than the more painful one.

 

[Rred]

Shingrix gave me a similar reaction. Shoulder hurt for four days. (I try to plan these things when there's nothing doing for a few days, just in case of that.)

And apparently they forget to mention that second shot will be necessary...hope that will not be as big a reaction.

 

[uncfnp]

Sorry about the discomfort but look on the bright side. There is some thought that minor to mild side effects of vaccines may indicate a better immune response.

Part of the reason for the higher rate of vaccine discomfort with Shingrix is the adjunct added to this vaccine to heighten the immune respnse. And fortunately for both of you, a significant reaction of the first dose does not necessarily indicate a similar response on the second.

 

[Dogbowl]

You will be grateful for the vaccine, assuming it works. I’ve had shingles 3 times. The last time I was screaming in my sleep every night for a month. Not due to pain, which was totally weird, but it was BAD!

 

[CathyE]

I agree Dogbowl, assuming it works. I have had one verified outbreak of shingles already. It was a small patch, but right next to my eye. Luckily my optic nerve was not involved.

 

[Dogbowl]

I agree Dogbowl, assuming it works. I have had one verified outbreak of shingles already. It was a small patch, but right next to my eye. Luckily my optic nerve was not involved.

As I am prone to shingles...I’m most afraid of getting it next to the eye.

 

[Rred]

Dogbowl, you show me a needle and next you'll be asking "Where'd he go?" but years ago I got the Zostervax because I saw how much fun shingles could be. They use a horse needle to mix the two parts...I felt much better when the nurse threw that out and said they just use this tiny one for the injection.
Got this one because it is supposed to be so much better. Considering the pharmacy should have made an appointment reminder for me to get the second part...I'll be asking the pharmacist if they are even AWARE that it is supposed to be two shots. They figure they'll run out very quickly, it is already in short supply.

 

[CathyE]

Considering the pharmacy should have made an appointment reminder for me to get the second part...I'll be asking the pharmacist if they are even AWARE that it is supposed to be two shots. They figure they'll run out very quickly, it is already in short supply.

I think they may have changed the protocol at some point. There was several discussions between the pharmacist, doctor, and nurse through my husband clarifying the time between doses, ie one month or two. The insert in the box also discussed side affects of after one shot, two doses two months apart, and two doses six month apart.
Protocols can also differ between Canada and the US for the same vaccine.