Shingles jab

[Kendalghost]

I recently had the first shingles jab and will not be having the second. I had the usual flu like symptoms for 3 days but then had 9 days of severe diarrhea. I lost 7lbs but ended up with low potassium. Low potassium can cause arrhythmia so I felt even worse. If you are offered the shingles jab please be aware of the side effects that it may cause.

[meadfoot]

Its difficult to know what to do. I have been invited for the shingles jab and had chicken pox as a child then shingles as an adult and chicken pox again, I didnt know it could be had twice. Anyway I am not intending having the shingles vaccine or any other vaccine at this point. I feel all ‘vaccined out ‘ after all the covid jabs so giving myself a break.

Its my personal choice, I would never try to persuade anyone to take or not take a vaccine.

[Cavalierrubie in reply to meadfoot]

I feel the same as meadfoot as l have not been well with all these vaccines and had awful side effects. I have always refused the shingles one as it’s a live vaccine and l always suffer side effects with any vaccine. I am having a break from them all, because if l had them all, l would never be well. With AF on top it has been hard going for me and enough is enough. It’s a personal decision for me, but not intended to influence anyone in any way. Thanks for the warning and sorry you have had a bad reaction. Hope you soon get well again.

[Judithdalston in reply to Cavalierrubie]

The current shingles vaccine Shingrix is not a live vaccine. I had the first, no trouble, and booked into for next.

[Cavalierrubie in reply to Judithdalston]

Thanks. Yes l have just read other’s posts. My surgery have not advised me about this. As usual from my surgery, lack of care.

[Afperic in reply to meadfoot]

Alwys pass on the iformation u have which makes you decide wisely not to participate in gheir monefests. So others can reach their sensible informed conclusion. If hou know and dont speak out it is almost as bad as those who spread the lies.

[TracyAdmin Partner in reply to Afperic]

Thank you Afperic for your reply and appreciate everyone will have different opinions relating to vaccines. However, this is your personal opinion and would encourage all members to make their own decision for future vaccines or medications.

Kind regards

TracyAdmin

[Bagrat]

How horrid for you. Mine was so uneventful I don't even remember there being two!

[baba in reply to Bagrat]

From NHS website:

“One of the shingles vaccines (called Zostavax) contains a weakened version of the virus that causes shingles. This vaccine is not suitable if you have a severely weakened immune system so you'll be given a different one (called Shingrix) instead.”

[spinningjenny]

I had my first shingles jab in the spring and am due the second around Christmas. Other than a painful arm for a couple of days I had no problems. Definitely will be going for the second, there’s no way I want shingles, it’s horrible.

[AfibSufferer]

I had my 1st does without problems (other than a sore arm)

[Rubymurray25]

I had shingles last year and was told it could happen again, so I decided to play safe and have the vacination. After the first one I did feel fairly rough for 3/5 days , flu, headaches and a mighty sore arm on both sides as I had the pheumonia one at the same time ( wouldn't recommend ) . I read up and it said the second jab for shingles is less likely to have as severe affects , wrong I felt the same and it gave me an episode of AF. A chicken and egg situation really, as I don't regret having it done and immensly pleased I won't need another one!

[Afperic in reply to Rubymurray25]

What like the 6 jabs Biden has had and keeps getting covid. Bet hes pleased too and Dr Fauci.

[lawspear in reply to Afperic]

Maybe ask yourself how ill he (and millions of others) could have been without vaccination. The vaccine is not only to prevent Covid but to reduce the severity of the illness.

[Tomred in reply to lawspear]

But,,,, anyone i know who were supposed to have tested positive for covid were all vaccinated.

[Ducky2003 in reply to Afperic]

Do you really believe Biden had Covid a couple of weeks ago, rather than just laying low? 😄There seems to be a common thread with your replies to other posts regarding vaccinations. I'm neither for or against them but it's for folk to decide themselves and implying they don't bother to inform themselves before deciding, is presumptuous and rude.

[Afperic in reply to Ducky2003]

Wasnt implying they dont inform themselves but was hiliting without being blocked for spreading dizinformation that there are other sources of valid info but the approved narrative is the only one allowed so do some research try flccc for a start before that reference is removed.

[KenRC in reply to Afperic]

What???

[Afperic in reply to KenRC]

Whatu dont know wont hurt when it hits u. Dnd of thankd.

[KenRC in reply to Afperic]

Could do with a translation….

[Shopgal67 in reply to Afperic]

This is not the forum for insinuations!

[Afperic in reply to Shopgal67]

If u dont insinuate u get cut off try it

[ochinee in reply to Afperic]

"What like the 6 jabs Biden has had and keeps getting covid. Bet hes pleased too and Dr Fauci."

Well, that's a constructive post!

[Chilbolton1 in reply to Rubymurray25]

Yes I’ve had Shingles twice, it’s really horrid. Had my first Shingles jab 2nd one next week.

[BrotherThomas]

Sorry to hear about the problems it caused you. I had my first shingles jab a few months ago and am due for my second in November. Like some of the others, I had no problems with it except for some soreness at the injection site for about 3 days. I saw how much a friend suffered with shingles so I'll definitely be having the second jab.

[CDreamer]

I had the Shingrix vaccination and it was the only vaccine that I wasn’t ill with but I had had flu and COVID vaccines all within 8 weeks so I know exactly what you mean when you felt vaccined out!

I had shingles again recently so like most vaccines, it doesn’t prevent you from developing the disease, just arms your immune system to fight it to prevent serious illness. 10 weeks on I am still having nerve pain down my right thigh. I have two friends who have it in their eye and are having problems with sight in the affected eye. As a matter of interest - they requested the vaccine and were denied because they were just outside the age range it was offered to, needless to say they are most upset so although the vaccine may cause some temporary discomfort - the consequences of shingles can be catastrophic.

My theory is that we are all much weaker since COVID and therefore more susceptible.

Shingles is the same virus as chickenpox and known as an opportunistic virus so once in your system it will lie dormant in your nervous system until your system is weakened when it will appear, stress can reduce the immune response so I this was the one vaccine I was happy to have.

[Chilbolton1 in reply to CDreamer]

I had to request the Shingles vaccine as I’m not yet at the age, but having had Shingles twice, I really don’t it again. I understand the vaccine is not a guarantee, like any other vaccine

[jondeanp in reply to CDreamer]

Weaker since Covid or the Covid vaccines? 🤔

[CDreamer in reply to jondeanp]

Both, in my experience but as I’ve had COVID 5 times 🤷‍♂️Certainly not having any other MRNA vaccines and am somewhat wary of the monoclonal antibody vacs/treatments.

[Tomred in reply to CDreamer]

That says a lot CDreamer, did you have covid before or after vaccines were released, anyone i know only tested positive and took covid after their release, to me that says a lot.

[Afperic]

Were you given information to be abe to consent ? U dont need to answer i'm sure i already know ....as per normal a disgrace.

[CDreamer in reply to Afperic]

It seems as though you are very biased against any vaccines but not all vacs are equal and many are well researched and used over decades and have prevented and limited millions from dying and suffering.

FYI I was given a lot of information about Shingrix as it is a relatively new vaccination.

[Afperic in reply to CDreamer]

Very good im glad you did. Try reading the childrens defence lesgue website snd check their legal cases . I rest my case.

[Lizty]

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[JOY2THEWORLD49]

Hi

Never offered it at aged 65.

Now 75 I nursed my Mum with it. She said she went to her bowling club where I lady had it. Was given information after.

Hers was on her stomach.

No, not having it. Just don't get down and out. Immunity diet is best and early to bed, early to rise makes us healthy and wise.

cherio JOY. 75 (NZ)

[secondtry]

I approach all vaccines with extreme care. If I decided I was at high risk then I would likely go ahead but only then.

Maybe a tad cynical but I wonder if most of those that choose the jab and have no side effects means their immune system was strong enough to reduce the risk to acceptable levels without the jab. As others have said a subjective decision for the individual.

[TracyAdmin Partner]

I am really sorry to hear about your recent experiences, how are you feeling now? I would advise making the GP aware when you next visit to ensure the reaction is added to your medical record.

Kind regards

TracyAdmin

[Thomas45]

I've had every jab offered with no ill effects apart from an occasional sore arm. I've had shingles twice, and had a shingles jab about six years ago. I can't remember having it in two parts.

[CDreamer in reply to Thomas45]

It’s usual now to give in 2 parts with at least 12 weeks apart.

[Desanthony in reply to Thomas45]

No I just had one dose about 8 years ago so wonder if the single dose is still available and maybe should be made available for the likes of us if we ask for it?

[Domino49]

After my brother suffered a very bad case of shingles the effects of which went on for over a year, I had the shingles jab and the pneumonia jab at the same time. I suffered no ill effects at all apart from a bit of a sore arm from one of them. I would say though that mine was the one dose shingles jab not the two stage.Don’t know if that makes a difference.

[Ppiman]

It's said to be an excellent and safe vaccination for older people to have given the common and sometimes long term debilitation that shingles can cause. I wouldn't want to suffer another attack of dreaded shingles. When I had it I was more ill than with any other illness I have had with a vast rash and a raging fever of 40C - I would not want that again. My doctor was shocked when he saw my side and I still have the scars. Luckily, and to my surprise, I have avoided the dreaded post-herpetic neuralgia which a friend's mother suffered from this suffering dreadfully severe pain for many years.

The side effect of diarrhoea is said to be rare, so you were most unlucky - bad luck. Of course, no individual side effects will be apparent until after having had the first jab, so I would still very much recommend people to have it and, unless the short term suffering from side effects proves to be unacceptably bad, to be sure to have the second jab which confers such excellent immunity against this chronic and potentially debilitating illness.

Steve

[RoyM]

I would definitely have the jab ... shingles really isn't fun

[dexter8479]

Completely understand, and everyone has to make up their own mind. I was very ill (reported) after the first. Also had such terrible sickness and diarrhoea that my potassium level quickly became dangerously low, which inevitably set off an Afib episode, and I ended up in hospital on a drip. A few people (some medics) suggested I think long and hard before the second, but my feeling was I should still do it. As it happens, I had so many important events around the only time window the second dose was on offer here meant that I couldn't risk being out of action then, and didn't take it. I don't know where that leaves me (will ask sometime). I've never had chickenpox, so I've heard you can only get shingles if you've had chickenpox, but also contradictory advice you still might have been exposed to chickenpox without knowing, so still vulnerable to shingles virus. 🤦‍♀️ Life is so hard at times, let alone Afib.

[Wilding1]

I’m very pro vaccines and I accept all vaccines offered. I trust the science.. And I’m so grateful not to have had to run the risks of polio and TB as a child.

[KenRC in reply to Wilding1]

Hear hear -me too it’s common sense! Sick of all these idiot conspiracy theorists. They wouldn’t /don’t hesitate occupying hospital beds when they contract the illnesses they could’ve avoided with vaccination.

[ahcm]

I had the single Shingles vaccine I was offered 5 years ago. I'm so glad I did, last year I had the rash and pain around one side of my stomach but at the time I had no idea I could still get Shingles after having the vaccine. I'm still suffering with nerve pain after 12 months so I hate to think what it would be like without the jab .

[Chinkoflight]

Have you seen the effects of shingles first hand in an adult? I had slightly more side effects than for most vaccinations but it's a one off jab. I would advise anyone I know to get the jab and accept there may be some side effects. You and I were in the minority, but thankfully you and I are now protected from the very unpleasant and debilitating shingles! Anti vax is a pernicious and persistent intrusion into this health forum and is wholly unbalanced, uses an evidence base of one and is invariably negative in it's message. It's not helpful and actively aims to spread anxiety and fearfulness. In my view!!!!!

[Cavalierrubie in reply to Chinkoflight]

I am not anti- vac but there are always two sides to the story. A discussion is to exchange ideas. A debate is an opposing argument. I think it helpful to hear everyone’s opinion and experiences in order to have an informed knowledge before making a decision. I think for many this is a necessity. There should be no cover up or bias.

[Desanthony]

I don't know when they changed to the double dose injection I had a single one and had no problems - about 8 years ago now just as starting out on my AF journey too. I have heard a few people who had problems. Best thing to do when you have the "diar horror" is to drink plenty and use rehydration drinks such as dioralyte which is meant to keep your electrolytes at a good level despite the diarrhea. I have always found they help. Personally I would still go for the shingles jabs being aware of the side effects thanks to the discussions we have had on this website. I have seen people recently really suffer with Shingles years ago my Mum was left with a partially paralysed face after she got shingles on her cheek - her mouth was left twisted and she couldn't smile. A friend of mine has been suffering since last October with it and another friend has just told me that she has it but not diagnosed early enough - despite going to GP and A&E and now too late to be given antivirals. She has it on the back of her head and neck and can't even brush her hair. I am hoping she won't suffer as much as my friend but if there is no treatment. I was lucky only had chicken pox - twice but my wife has had both chicken pox and shingles and will be having the injection when it is made available for her. she had Shingles when she was 16 and as luck would have it when she went to see her GP in excruciating pain from the rash - pain came first and then the rash for her, she was lucky enough to be given a new treatment that had been left with the GP by a rep earlier that week . So came in a tiny glass bottle and was to be painted onto the rash 4 times a day. Within a week the rash had gone but some pain continued in the area for a long time and she still complained of pain in that area when she was tired or stressed for many years afterwards.

[localad]

I've had shingles once, a few years ago, on half my face.

Even so I'll be taking my chances and keep on relying on my immune system rather than have a shingles jab.

[Vonnegut]

I’ve had one now some years back with no ill effects. I wish I’d had it the first time it was offered as that way I would have avoided this heart condition and the chronic fatigue that I developed after I experienced the excruciating pain of shingles and was not able to get an appointment at our surgery for nearly two weeks by which time the pain had gone and the rash had appeared but presumably it was too late to be given an antiviral! A pain specialist told me that the slight back pain I experienced had come “as an after effect of shingles”! It must have been the mildest dose ever but that’s why I didn’t get the jab the first time it was offered and how I wish I’d had it then and could still lead an active life as I had done previously.

[Budken]

I had no side effects whatsoever. I think you are blaming the vaccine, for something else that just struck you. I read so many comments about "side effects" yet I have yet to have any from any vaccination!

[baba]

NHS Info:

There are 2 types of shingles vaccine given in the UK. You can check the ingredients in the patient leaflets:

Shingrix vaccine patient leaflet (Electronic Medicines Compendium website; PDF only, 136kb) – given as 2 doses

Zostavax vaccine patient leaflet (Electronic Medicines Compendium website) – given as 1 dose

[Tomred]

I have to remind myself that when i first came on this forum it was to learn about afib, now i realize how easy it is to be drawn into discussing , to vax or not to vax, LOL.

[Crystalbowl]

I am sorry to hear about your experience and I can see that this has put you in a difficult position. I was offered the shingles vaccine when I turned 70 some years’ ago. It was the older Zostervax vaccine then. I refused as I generally refused all vaccinations at that time. Two years’ later, I had a really bad outbreak of shingles which started when I was abroad following a chest infection for which I had been hospitalised as it had affected my heart markers. My insurers had to repatriate me and were not happy needless to say. I am still not over the effects of the shingles nearly 6 years’ later. Not everyone is affected in this way. I think it was probably due to the stress of the whole situation and my immune system being down at the time which probably meant I didn’t have the reserves at the time to deal with it. I did subsequently get the Zostervax vaccination to hopefully prevent further outbreaks as it is definitely not true that you can only get shingles once. I wanted the Shingrix vaccine but was told it was not available in the U.K. at the time but it is now the one the NHS are using. It is supposed to be more effective. Good luck with whatever you decide.