Shingles and other vaccines

[lucaldo]

Hi. I've just had my shingles vax and the after effects were horrible.

I've now read that the second dose could be worse. I'm in two minds as to whether I should get it.

Has anyone had the second one after suffering from the first? Was it really bad?

I've reacted badly to all of my various vaccines over the years but this shingles one has been the worst.

Is there something about having an auto immune that makes having vaccines worse?

Of, course we know having the shingles vaccine doesn't prevent you from getting it, but just lessens the effect

[Cookyboy1]

Yes the second one for me was a lot worse than the first one ,no real problem with the 1st one but the2nd one gave me 4 days of feeling rough which they did say was possible.

[user666]

before I had the vaccine I had shingles four times. The last shingle infection was the second hit that caused me to stroke. I promise you having shingles is far more dangerous and painful than the vaccine side effects.

[Mermaidatheart]

Pesonally had both shots and did ok both times. For me one was not worse or better than the other.....thankfully. I would rather have the shots than suffer shingles!!!

[Pooky7]

I do intermittent fasting 20-22 hours 4x week, no sugar, eat organic , eat keto. I really don’t get sick. I won’t get another shot, as after the hepatitis B one I got APS. 33 years ago I also take many supplements, drink ACV and lemon daily. And take a shot of really good olive oil daily.

[Tofino5]

I wonder too if autoimmune disorders make vaccine reactions worse. Maybe someone here knows

I had shingles prior to getting the vaccine. I had to wait a full year after shingles to get the first one.

The shingles started at the hairline on my forehead and crept down my forehead toward my eye. Very painful and scary that it could get to my eye. I felt crummy after the 2nd shot, but that was worth it, I didn’t want to have any repeats of the shingles.

BTW, for all 4 covid shots that I got, I was badly sick for 5 to 7 days. Then I got covid anyway and that was as bad as the shots but lasted far longer I believe I have some symptoms of long Covid

so who knows, but I personally believe vaccines are good. I’m of the generation that got the Salk vaccine and was glad to have it. I knew people who survived polio but were disabled. Good luck to you.

[LindaMorrell]

thank you all for your comments. Sounds like 50-50. Damned if you do damned if you don’t. I suppose none of you died so it might 51% for the vaccine and 49% against.

When I make my decision I hope it’s the right one.

Good luck to you all too.

I am on a lot of warfarin I wonder if that makes a big big difference?????

Thank you to all contributors

[LindaMorrell in reply to LindaMorrell]

Just had my first shot of the shingles vaccine

Had a slight dizzy turn in the docs 1/2 hour later. A Couple of hours later couldn’t keep awake. Was ready for worse symptoms but nothing but a sore arm and feeling of being a bit wiped.

Good friend told me to take 2 paracetamol just before then every 6 hours. Day 2 and I am ok.

[lucaldo]

Coincidentally and sadly a friend of mine has just got shingles all over her face and she has had both shots. I think I will get the second shot despite the side effects. I'm 5 days in and improving but still a bit lifeless.

Just have to prepare and not schedule to do anything for a week or so after my second shot. Thanks for your input

[Raw57]

I had no reaction to the 1st injection and a slight feeling off for one day with the 2nd. I also regularly respond poorly to vaccines. I had a shingle infection for over a year. It was from my lower back to the groin. It was awful, awful. I could not wear underwear. I advise to do whatever is necessary to avoid the shingles!

[MaryF Administrator]

I have such reactions to vaccines, can't have them, a difficult decision to make, but please do have a chat with your consultant/GP etc. MaryF

[Thick_Blood]

I only took the first one because it initiated a migraine that refused to go away. I had to take pain meds for 90 days after that first shot so I never took the second one.