Shingrix

[Trimark]

Hello All,

I have been a member on here since 2016. I admit to not being the most vocal of members but I do read most days and have found this forum to be very helpful and informative. That sounds a tad selfish but the truth is there are people on here that know so much more than me!

anyway, on to my question! 3 Days ago I had my first Shingrix jab. By the evening I felt like I had bad indigestion and the last 2 days I have had very unpleasant upper body aching, mainly in the chest and upper arms. Has any body else experienced similar side effects or should I be concerned.

Can’t say I’m looking forward to the second jab too much.

Thanks in advance for any feedback 🎄🎅

[CaptRon1976]

Shingrix is a safe and very effective vaccine against the virus causing shingles and the only option for immunocompromised folks. My reactions were similar. As you now know the effects go away in 3 days +/-

Shingles on the other hand is enormously worse, far more uncomfortable, painful and may never go away tormenting you for years.

You are doing the right thing and have no good alternative.

CaptRon

[Trimark in reply to CaptRon1976]

Thanks CaptRon, I appreciate your reply. I also forgot to mention I had Shingles earlier this year and completely agree with you. I still have sensitive skin now! Hopefully the Shingrix will prevent a recurrence 🙏

[CLLerinOz Administrator in reply to Trimark]

As you're in the UK, and you've previously had shingles, it would be worth having a discussion with your doctor about the possibility/advisability of ongoing prophylactic treatment with a low dose antiviral such as aciclovir or valaciclovir.

In our pinned post on vaccinations - healthunlocked.com/cllsuppo... - I shared information from a brochure for GPs produced by Oxford University Hospitals in the UK which recommends "If a [CLL] patient has a history of shingles, then they should still receive lifelong Aciclovir as secondary prophylaxis in addition to the Shingrix vaccine."

nssg.oxford-haematology.org...

CLLerinOz

[SofiaDeo in reply to Trimark]

Consider supplementing with L-lysine, which has been shown to help drive the virus back into the nerve root. The idea is, when the ratio of lysine to arginine is higher, the virus can't get out as easily. So some dietary modification may also help. I eat lower arginine (i.e. no nuts or seeds which are the higest arginine foods in my diet I can easily give up) and take 1 gm lysine twice a day when I am prodroming. Since "higher relative doses" of lysine are needed, I prefer to adjust my diet and take fewer pills. Others can simply take more lysine. You need to get a doc's OK since there can be cardiovascular or gallbladder effects.

medicalnewstoday.com/articl...

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

[bennevisplace]

The Shingrix jabs gave me body ache and dysphoria for a day or so - a stronger reaction compared to other vaccines I've had - but far preferable to the shingles experience.

[jonathan7176]

I had the 2nd dose last Friday. Neither was particularly pleasant, but nothing worse than a few days soreness and swelling of the upper arm.

[cajunjeff]

I did not have any issues or side effects with either shingrix shot other than very mild soreness at injection site for a day or so.

[Lisa-1959 in reply to cajunjeff]

Same with me...glad it wasn't more severe, but I am certainly glad I finally got it done!

[Indie1234]

Yes, I had my first Shingrex on Tuesday. Having the injection was painful, and my arm is still quite sore. Better than the alternative though. I’ve had shingles twice now, very painful.

Indie.

[SERVrider]

I went on the CLL Support UK webinar on Monday and in the breakout room, I was surprised to learn that some patients have not been offered Shingrix and, indeed, their GPs are resisting getting it for them. One patient, in England, said she had been refused Acalabrutinib as well. (NHS England has different policies from NHS Scotland NHS NI and NHS Wales, for readers outside the UK). In consultation with my haematologist, when I raised it with her, she indicated that policies may vary county by county or region by region as well. I am just glad I'm in the South-East as I sit here with my SCIG running and my Shingrix vaccinations at least a year old.

[Katie-LMHC-Artist]

My arm was sore after the first injection. I also had a rash. With the second injection I had flu like symptoms the next day with a sore arm and another rash. After that I was fine. I had shingles years ago and it was annoying. Going through a little discomfort was worth it as others have said. Take care!🦋

[Living_and_Learning]

I had mild(ish) flu-like symptoms after the second shot--similar to what you describe. I think I had less reaction to the first shot.

[Corgidad]

Yes, I had a similar reaction. Felt like total crap for a day and a half. I am over due for my second shot, not looking forward to it.

[claree_ford]

I had quite a few reactions for about a week with shingrix 1 - I was dreading the second but happily it was much easier. Good luck to you.

[Islandvibes]

I had flu like symptoms and temp 102 but just about 2 days and I was fine Haven't gotten second one but will

[Trimark]

thanks to all who replied to my post. Pick update, day 1 felt like I had indegestion, day 2 Muscle discomfort day 3 extreme chest shoulder and upper arm pain. Wife took me to walk in clinic, told I should have phoned an Ambulance. Turned out I was having a heart attack!! Just goes to show how you can miss read things.

New in QA in Portsmouth. From the point we got me into the system everybody has been amazing. Now two stents later am feeling much better and hoping to be home Monday and looking forward to rehabilitation. Could be a while until the next Parkrun but maybe a good goal.

Have a great Christmas all and stay safe 🎄🎅

[hope-73 in reply to Trimark]

Oh dear! Im really sorry you had to go through this but glad you’re feeling much better! Merry Christmas to you and here’s to a healthy new year 🙏🏼

[Islandvibes in reply to Trimark]

Oh my gosh I'm glad your feeling better Those stents can be amazing I love the walk in clinic with your wife Prob not humorous that day but she was trying to keep your exercise up Was this after vaccine? So u thought symptoms were from that ? Anyways perfect holiday outcome

[Trimark]

hello Island vibes,

Yes initially I thought the discomfort was from having the Shingrix! I am back home now and managed to enjoy Christmas here 🎅. Now on six weeks walking only which is frustrating as I normally like to run and cycle. But all things considered I will be following Doctors orders to the letter.

Hope you had a great Christmas 🎄