Side Effects of Shingles Vaccine

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.