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Side Effects of Shingles Vaccine

Posted by ssbionicknee @ssbionicknee, Sep 20, 2018

I got the flu shot and the new shingles vaccination 3 days ago. Today I started feeling sick to my stomach. I've never had a reaction to the flu shot and was wondering if anyone else felt sick after getting the shingles vaccine?

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carolandersonl | @carolandersonl | Dec 12, 2020

Hi Sue, My NP prescribed AntiVert, which did not help. I’ve no nausea. I don’t feel dizzy, instead it feels like the floor is rocking under me, which is a different sensation. I did the vertigo exercises described above, but no relief. The NP’s Her office only does telemedicine now, so no physical exam was done. Said the next step would be an MRI, but I’m isolated in a rural area. The NP is on leave for the next 4+ months. I have carefully moved around the house and a bit outdoors. I am concerned that this ongoing condition occurred soon after Shingrix. The pharmacist was quick to dismiss it as completely unrelated. I read that inner ear infection or neuritis can result from shingles. I want to learn if others have had similar reactions.

REPLY
avmcbellar | @avmcbellar | Dec 13, 2020
In reply to @carolandersonl "On 11/14/2020, I received the first dose of the Shingrix vaccine. I was very tired for..." + (show)
@carolandersonl

On 11/14/2020, I received the first dose of the Shingrix vaccine. I was very tired for 3 days. Immediately after that, it felt like the floor or ground was severely rocking under me when I walked or stood. It felt like trying to walk on a boat in a storm. After two weeks, I had a tele-med visit with a nurse practitioner who said it might be crystals in the inner ear. It continues, but is less severe. Have been mostly housebound, I’ve also had headaches. I read that shingles can cause ear infection or nerve damage, Even now, Dec 12, I sometimes veer to the side when walking, I asked the pharmacist about this ( he gave the injection, did not advise about fatigue ) but he quickly said it was definitely not related to Shingrix. 1. Is there a possible connection? 2. Should I risk the second Shingrix vaccination? I’m loathe to have further damage.

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Hi Carol @carolandersonl welcome. May I suggest vestibular therapy since the ARNP suggested your health issue may be related to the crystals in the inner ear. I agree with Sue. Try the exercises offered through youtube. For my balance issue I had received physical therapy to try the Epley Maneuver. I first received an order for physical therapy to help me with my balance issues through my PCP. I chose the physical therapy group but you can also your physician for a recommendation in your area.
Here is a link from the CDC regarding the Shingrix vaccine. Hope it helps to make your decision for the second dose. Call them if need be. Toni
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/shingles-recombinant.html

REPLY
carolandersonl | @carolandersonl | Dec 14, 2020
In reply to @ssbionicknee "As luck would have it I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow. :) It has been about..." + (show)
@ssbionicknee

As luck would have it I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow. 🙂 It has been about 8 hours now and I am feeling a little better. I had to get in bed and lay still. I felt sick most of the day, but it got really bad before I laid down. I felt like I was on a boat in the middle of a storm. I also looked up side effects as I was resting, and it said the new vaccine is much stronger than most vaccines and the side effects included feeling sick and a headache. There was also a number to call to report any side effects. I am going to do that tomorrow. This was my first shot and I am supposed to get the second one in 2-6 months. I am dreading the next shot and am going to ask my doctor if I really need it. I had the original vaccine and was fine. Then they came out with this stronger vaccine. I am interested to see what others have to say about their experience with the shots.

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Just wanted to thank you for describing your reaction. I had my first Shingrix shot 11/14. Very fatigued for 3 days, ok with that. But then whenever I walked or stood, it felt like the floor or ground was rocking/bouncing under me. Friends said my walk did not appear unusual. It felt like trying to balance when walking on a boat going over rough waves. Nurse practitioner via tele-med visit prescribed AntiVert and exercises, but no improvement. The “ rocking floor” sensation and balance problems continued for weeks, only lessened 12/12. The pharmacist denies this had any connection to Shingrix. I would like the drug manufacturer and medical providers to be open to considering if this effect might be related to the Shingrix vaccine. I am afraid that a second shot may cause damage.

REPLY
carolandersonl | @carolandersonl | Dec 19, 2020
In reply to @dablues "My last test, I hope, is March 18th. My legs are much better and the burning..." + (show)
@dablues

My last test, I hope, is March 18th. My legs are much better and the burning is totally gone. I couldn't keep my balance at all for 4 months. Started back at the Y last Friday, went today. Will go tomorrow. I stopped going to the Y when all this started in November as I couldn't keep my balance, and the burning, etc. As for the double vision don't know if that is related or not.

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Thank you for sharing this. So sorry about the many medical problems. I too have had serious balance problems since my 11/13 Shingrix shot. It feels like I’m trying to walk on a boat in a storm. On 12/7 I “ saw” my Nurse Practioner via iPhone so no physical exam was done. Her best guess was crystals in the inner ear. AntiVert and vestibular exercises have not helped. My pharmacist said the balance problem must be completely unrelated to the Shingrix vaccine. But I wonder and am ambivalent about the second shot.

REPLY
1 reply
Erika | @erikas | Dec 30, 2020
In reply to @carolandersonl "Thank you for sharing this. So sorry about the many medical problems. I too have had..." + (show)
@carolandersonl

Thank you for sharing this. So sorry about the many medical problems. I too have had serious balance problems since my 11/13 Shingrix shot. It feels like I’m trying to walk on a boat in a storm. On 12/7 I “ saw” my Nurse Practioner via iPhone so no physical exam was done. Her best guess was crystals in the inner ear. AntiVert and vestibular exercises have not helped. My pharmacist said the balance problem must be completely unrelated to the Shingrix vaccine. But I wonder and am ambivalent about the second shot.

Jump to this post

@carolandersonl May I ask how long after your shot did you have balance problems?

REPLY
ricke | @ricke | Jan 3, 2021
In reply to @carolandersonl "On 11/14/2020, I received the first dose of the Shingrix vaccine. I was very tired for..." + (show)
@carolandersonl

On 11/14/2020, I received the first dose of the Shingrix vaccine. I was very tired for 3 days. Immediately after that, it felt like the floor or ground was severely rocking under me when I walked or stood. It felt like trying to walk on a boat in a storm. After two weeks, I had a tele-med visit with a nurse practitioner who said it might be crystals in the inner ear. It continues, but is less severe. Have been mostly housebound, I’ve also had headaches. I read that shingles can cause ear infection or nerve damage, Even now, Dec 12, I sometimes veer to the side when walking, I asked the pharmacist about this ( he gave the injection, did not advise about fatigue ) but he quickly said it was definitely not related to Shingrix. 1. Is there a possible connection? 2. Should I risk the second Shingrix vaccination? I’m loathe to have further damage.

Jump to this post

I never had Shingles but had the 1st shot of the GSK Vaccine in March 2020 per the recommendation of my internist since I had “ chicken pox as child. What a mistake.
I had a horrible reaction and it is now January 2021 and I am still suffering. My internist told me under no circumstance get the second dose .
I contacted the CDC and reported my reaction on a voicemail (2x) a week apart and have to laugh at the representative that eventually responded (month later).
I had completed a form on line within a day of my reactions .
The CDC person’s response was limited to parroting back to me what I had submitted on the form a month prior.
I did get a “Lawyer Letter”- release - from GSK asking me to give GSK access to all my medical records a few weeks after that. I decided not to agree.
There has been no further contact from GSK or CDC.
I have continue to experience severe peripheral neuropathy, chills, “goose bumps” , extensive itching on both my arms from my shoulders down my arms to the back of my hands and regular numbness in the fingers on both my hands. A similar reaction is occurring on both my legs from knees to my feet , extreme itching
( ankles and top off both my feet).
So intense is that reaction that I have cut my finger nails to the point comparable to a “nail biter” . The result of scratching in my sleep to the point causing injuries.
I have tried various prescription skin creams containing steroids which reduced the itching however resulted in my skin becoming paper thin which I had to discontinue.

I have also been advised by my internist NOT to take the COVID vaccine.
I have done my own research with no input from CDC or GSK.
I am not optimistic that the alleged time frames for these horrible reactions to cease are accurate. I have changed my diet, eliminated
all potential “trigger foods/beverage”.

Getting the GSK Shingrex vaccine was one of the biggest mistakes of life.

REPLY
3 replies
Mentor
Chris Trout, Volunteer Mentor | @artscaping | Jan 4, 2021
In reply to @ricke "I never had Shingles but had the 1st shot of the GSK Vaccine in March 2020..." + (show)
@ricke

I never had Shingles but had the 1st shot of the GSK Vaccine in March 2020 per the recommendation of my internist since I had “ chicken pox as child. What a mistake.
I had a horrible reaction and it is now January 2021 and I am still suffering. My internist told me under no circumstance get the second dose .
I contacted the CDC and reported my reaction on a voicemail (2x) a week apart and have to laugh at the representative that eventually responded (month later).
I had completed a form on line within a day of my reactions .
The CDC person’s response was limited to parroting back to me what I had submitted on the form a month prior.
I did get a “Lawyer Letter”- release - from GSK asking me to give GSK access to all my medical records a few weeks after that. I decided not to agree.
There has been no further contact from GSK or CDC.
I have continue to experience severe peripheral neuropathy, chills, “goose bumps” , extensive itching on both my arms from my shoulders down my arms to the back of my hands and regular numbness in the fingers on both my hands. A similar reaction is occurring on both my legs from knees to my feet , extreme itching
( ankles and top off both my feet).
So intense is that reaction that I have cut my finger nails to the point comparable to a “nail biter” . The result of scratching in my sleep to the point causing injuries.
I have tried various prescription skin creams containing steroids which reduced the itching however resulted in my skin becoming paper thin which I had to discontinue.

I have also been advised by my internist NOT to take the COVID vaccine.
I have done my own research with no input from CDC or GSK.
I am not optimistic that the alleged time frames for these horrible reactions to cease are accurate. I have changed my diet, eliminated
all potential “trigger foods/beverage”.

Getting the GSK Shingrex vaccine was one of the biggest mistakes of life.

Jump to this post

Good evening @ricke I am feeling so startled by your story. Your extensive itching is so similar to mine. Did your clinician take a skin sample? Has he/she commented about the itching? Is it your understanding that the itching is a symptom of neuropathy? Are you using an antihistamine for nighttime? I use coconut oil on my arms and legs. And finally, what was the alleged time frame for the itch to go away for good?

So sympathetic to your symptoms. I have an appointment with my dermatologist next week? Who helps you with your symptoms?

May you be free of suffering and the causes of suffering.
Chris

REPLY
1 reply
ricke | @ricke | Jan 4, 2021
In reply to @artscaping "Good evening @ricke I am feeling so startled by your story. Your extensive itching is so..." + (show)
@artscaping

Good evening @ricke I am feeling so startled by your story. Your extensive itching is so similar to mine. Did your clinician take a skin sample? Has he/she commented about the itching? Is it your understanding that the itching is a symptom of neuropathy? Are you using an antihistamine for nighttime? I use coconut oil on my arms and legs. And finally, what was the alleged time frame for the itch to go away for good?

So sympathetic to your symptoms. I have an appointment with my dermatologist next week? Who helps you with your symptoms?

May you be free of suffering and the causes of suffering.
Chris

Jump to this post

Good Morning Chris,

Thank you for your well wishes.
There are so many more things that have/are happening. The rash/inching is internally triggered.
I do use organic coconut oil and aloe. Limited relief but not completely effective.
If you would like to give me call that would be fine and expedite some of your questions.
I am recently retired and home so anytime that works for you will fit into my schedule. I am new on this platform so I don’t know if our communication is not public.

Best regards,

Rick

REPLY
karinaph | @karinaph | Jan 9, 2021
In reply to @ricke "I never had Shingles but had the 1st shot of the GSK Vaccine in March 2020..." + (show)
@ricke

I never had Shingles but had the 1st shot of the GSK Vaccine in March 2020 per the recommendation of my internist since I had “ chicken pox as child. What a mistake.
I had a horrible reaction and it is now January 2021 and I am still suffering. My internist told me under no circumstance get the second dose .
I contacted the CDC and reported my reaction on a voicemail (2x) a week apart and have to laugh at the representative that eventually responded (month later).
I had completed a form on line within a day of my reactions .
The CDC person’s response was limited to parroting back to me what I had submitted on the form a month prior.
I did get a “Lawyer Letter”- release - from GSK asking me to give GSK access to all my medical records a few weeks after that. I decided not to agree.
There has been no further contact from GSK or CDC.
I have continue to experience severe peripheral neuropathy, chills, “goose bumps” , extensive itching on both my arms from my shoulders down my arms to the back of my hands and regular numbness in the fingers on both my hands. A similar reaction is occurring on both my legs from knees to my feet , extreme itching
( ankles and top off both my feet).
So intense is that reaction that I have cut my finger nails to the point comparable to a “nail biter” . The result of scratching in my sleep to the point causing injuries.
I have tried various prescription skin creams containing steroids which reduced the itching however resulted in my skin becoming paper thin which I had to discontinue.

I have also been advised by my internist NOT to take the COVID vaccine.
I have done my own research with no input from CDC or GSK.
I am not optimistic that the alleged time frames for these horrible reactions to cease are accurate. I have changed my diet, eliminated
all potential “trigger foods/beverage”.

Getting the GSK Shingrex vaccine was one of the biggest mistakes of life.

Jump to this post

I’ve not seen this group previously, but am on another one focused on Polymyalgia Rheumatica ( PMR) which have. I suspect it was caused by the Shingrix vaccine. I’ve been miserable since I received the second vaccine. I’m so sorry for your incessant itching. I’ve experienced that before myself. I hope you get some relief. The PMR has me ( and so many others) on regular dose of prednisone in order to function. I too feel the vaccine was a huge mistake. I’ve had shingles before, yeah it isn’t fun but it only lasts for a couple of weeks. I’m on the fence with the covid vaccine but know it could safe my life. Hoping for more data that assures me in the coming months. Hope you recover quickly

REPLY
rmashaal | @rmashaal | Feb 5, 2021

I got very sick with my 1st shingles shot, threw up all night and only started to feel better about noon the next day, thus, I did not get the second shot until 1 1/2 years after the first one and had a worst reaction, not only I was throwing up all night, my arm was very red and very painful. I don’t think I will ever get that vaccine again.

REPLY
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