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Shingrix and peripheral neuropathy
Neuropathy | Last Active: Nov 3 12:52pm | Replies (538)Comment receiving replies
ElderEllen here: I am soon to be 88 and had my first Shingrix shot sept.11.2020. The only side effects was redness at the shot site that lasted for 1 to 2 weeks, it itched was all, but I am scared of the second shot which I hear will have more side effects, I have been told like having the flu for a few days? I have some under the toes sensation that may be a nerve condition which my PCP said may be due to old age. If I chose to get the 2nd shot I will delay it until March which is 6 months out and I think the start of spring time here in the Northwest. I have been an active female all my adult life and a tom boy growing up so aging has been a learning experience for me. My mate died May 1, 2018, so moved to my home out of our shared home(his) and have transitioned back into this community. During the pandemic I have been masked and gloved if I grocery shop early in the morning. My family is near by and are supportive as they can be with all the changes in their lives. Be Safe.
Replies to "ElderEllen here: I am soon to be 88 and had my first Shingrix shot sept.11.2020. The..."
Hi @elderellen, and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I'm glad to hear that you are staying safe during this pandemic. I, too, got the Shingrex vaccine. I've had shingles, luckily a relatively mild case, but I want to do everything I can to not get it again. For me, the shot made me feel groggy and tired the second day after getting the vaccine both times. I used it as an excuse to take a rest day. A book and pot of tea were my companions.
It is recommended that healthy adults 50 years and older should get two doses of Shingrix, separated by 2 to 6 months. So March is that latest you'll want to get your second dose.
I completely agree with @ken82 to talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you're concerned about getting the second shot. Here's some information from the CDC and from Mayo Clinic:
- Shingles Vaccination https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/shingles/public/shingrix/index.html
- Mayo Clinic Q and A https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-q-and-a-new-shingles-vaccine-recommended-for-most-adults-over-age-50/
Elderellen, you may also wish to join the discussions in the Aging Well group https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/aging-well/
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@elderellen I am 83, male, living in the midwest.. I had both Shingles shots just last fall .. the second did NOT hurt more or have anymore side effects than the first one... The only side effect I had was a sore arm for a few days.. Do not rely on what you "heard" .. find out.. ask your doctor and your pharmacist ... go on line to credible sites.. .. the experience of having Shingles at this age is something I was wanting to avoid after 2 close friends had Full Blown Shingles that lasted not only weeks but in to the months... The rumor mill is very active... Check things out with trusted experts... I use "My Chart" to email questions to my primary care physician.. and others.. those non-emergency questions receive credible answers...