Hi,
Can anyone share their experience of having the shingrix vaccination. I am now on biologics and have been advised that I should have it. Are the side effects similar to the covid vaccination? I always get a bit nervous about having new medications so the experience of others can be reassuring hopefully!
Thank you
I had the Shingrix vaccination at the end of last year. It comes in two parts. I didn’t have any side effects with the first part, but the second one was awful. I ended u in bed I’ve a weekend, with heavy flu like symptoms - fever, shivering, headache etc.
I am on Methotrexate injections & Rituximab infusions & had the 2 Shingrix jabs last year & I had no reaction from them except a sore arm ☺️
Thank you that’s helpful
Hurt like hell, only 70% effective and I got Shingles again after the injections as it’s done twice. Sore arm for a week, hot then cold and yet answer really is despite that Shingles is so much worse. I’ve had it three times now, but only the first time pre vaccine was awful. I was hospitalised and it was agony so don’t worry about side effects you may get none and if you do they are minor compared to a dose of Shingles. I had Pregabalin for pain relief, and can’t describe how very bad it is and I also then had to reduce the Pregabalin slowly but it was the only medication that helped. Even last week I had a minor rash as it comes back in same place so thank goodness the vaccine means it comes back but only in a minor way.
That sounds awful. Vaccine sounds like a much better option. Thank you.
I’ve just had my 2nd shingrix. The first I just had a painful arm. I was already in a flare, and the one on Thursday did intensify the flare, as well as cause a headache, nausea and shivering. However, I also produce no cortisol, the stress hormone, which others do, and they produce more cortisol to deal with the stress on the body. Today I’m quite a bit better. Still worth it though
Thanks for your advice
Have had both parts of the Shingrix vaccine with no side effects whatsoever.
I’ve also had shingles in the past and if you do have a reaction to your jab it won’t be anything like as bad as actually having the virus!
Same for me. No trouble except a bit tired after 2 one for a day and usual sore arm. If I do get facial shingles again I hope the vaccination might help with the severity.
Thank you. That’s good advice.
Thank you. Everyone’s replies point to the vaccine being the best option.
I’ve just had the second part a few weeks ago, apart from a wee bit of a sore arm, I had no side effects.
I've had both shingrix jabs with no issues at all. Had the flu vaccine as well and due for my next coved booster. Very happy to be able to have a shingles vaccine after being unable to have the original one because of Humira's affect on the immune system.
Hi - had this injection on Thursday and all fine. The second one is in 8 weeks for me. Don't worry - it will be OK.
Hi - I take Methotrexate and Filgotinib and had both Shingrix injections last year. No side effects other than a very sore arm.
Hi, I had both Shingrix injections 8 weeks apart. Apart from a sore arm , I was fine. I had shingles a few years ago , absolutely awful I took antivirals for it ,so that helped to make my mind up about the injection! I’m on a biologic now too. Hope this helps xx
No side effects for me except for a sore arm for a day or two 😊
l had the 2 shingrix vaccinations earlier this year with no side effects at all.
Same as most people here...2 jabs, bit of a sore arm each time, and that was about it
I had the cain
Haha good start,I was about to say I had the vacine,first one ok second one booster really throbbed for 2 days, I'm on benapali bio jabs that's the only side effect I can report.
Check with your rheumatology team regarding pausing your medication around your shingles vaccine. I was advised to miss a Cimzia and a Methotrexate dose immediately after my vaccinations. This is to maximise the effect of the vaccine. This left me with a slight flare each time as my meds wore off.I was quite tired for a while after 2nd dose especially in first few days.
Ok, thanks I will check
A few years ago I looked into having this vaccine and, at that time, I was told I wouldn't qualify on the NHS and would need to go private. The private costs were in the many hundreds, so I decided to wait.
I still take 25mg methotrexate and am still under the age limit, but now I receive regular calls from NHS urging me to have it. I was informed it was because the costs had reduced significantly.
I discovered that they now use the same technology that they used to make the COVID 19 vaccine, mRNA. This new type of vaccine operates in an entirely different way.
It seems that certain people react badly, as with all medical interventions, so it's worth reading up on the latest international research findings, to be fully informed before going ahead. I don't believe the UK are investing research into this area, but other countries definitely are. Dr John Campbell on YouTube explains some research findings now and then, so might be a good starting point.
That's interesting to know. Thank you.
I had both jabs no side effects at all. I take biological, methotrexate and hydrocloxquine. Good luck.
Felt awful for several days after the first dose but better after the second one. The jury is out on this vaccine for me. I only followed it through because I’ve had Shingles in the past.
Hi,
I am about to change from Humira to Toczilizumab, RA consultant said to just have 1 of the 2 Shingrix vaccines when I asked , I will see if I can get an appointment at my GP Surgery,.On past experience of vaccines I have to say each covid vaccine appeared to make my RA worse I have been in a permanent flare since Feb 2023 and am now about to start my 7th RA medication .
I had my first jab eight weeks ago with no issues apart from a sore arm for a couple of days. I think the £225 it cost hurt me more! 😂. Due for my second jab in 3 weeks which is another £225 😔 but as long as it gives me some protection it will be worth every penny.
hi Gardengirl, I’m on Baricitinib and had the Shingrix vaccines last year. I had a huge RA flare after the first one and had to use my trusty steroid rescue pack which sorted it out. I was very nervous about having the second dose but it was fine, just the usual sore arm. I did a bit of research and apparently out of the 27% of patients that have a flare after having Shingrix only 2% do so after both doses. The odds are fairly low and much much better than developing shingles without the vaccine. Good luck! x
I had the two Shingrix last year. I get side effects from everything but none with this 🥳
I had my first Shingrix vaccination 10 days ago. Sore arm but not much else. Not nearly as bad as the 2 weeks fatigue and low mood after the Covid one (Moderna) earlier this month. Next one due in August. So many people have told me how awful shingles can be so I agree with all the comments about it being worthwhile even if you do get a reaction.
Hi there
I’m on a biologic and have had the Shingrix vaccination (non live one). First vaccination was good with no side effects. The second one packed a bit more of a punch , but really not too bad. I’d stopped a dose of the biologic and methotrexate . Hope yours goes well!
hi
Just to say please please get vaccine.Had shingles two months ago and it was truly awful.still getting post herpatic pain and have scars.did have jab 8 years ago but it was not the 2 part one offered today.unfortunately JAK meds can reactivate the virus so be as covered as you can!x
Hi, I had the shingrix. The first put me into a flare and then even worse after the 2nd. My consultant thought that as I have both RA and PSA and I am 54, this was the reason behind the flares. As the side effects are worse the younger you are and those with PSA seem to react with flares to vaccines generally. My consultant still recommended vaccines. Hope it goes well.
Had sore arm after both injections and felt off colour for about 48 hrs after the injection.
Hi. Firstly, I want to say don't be put off by our experiences. Some will have had a reaction, some won't. I, personally did have a reaction by way of a bright red, swollen and sore arm. I still went for my 2nd one which reacted similarly. In my opinion, It is still far better to have the vaccine and have a few days of discomfort than not to have the vaccine and have the potential of weeks, possibly months of very painful shingles. I wish you all the best.
I am also on a biologic. Just a sore arm from shingles vaccine for me
Well worth it to have dome protection against shingles!
I've had both with the six months interval in-between absolutely no problems, I'm on methotrexate and biologics.Its not a live vaccine
I’m in similar position had the first of 2 jabs a month ago. Sore arm but no other side affects. 2nd jab in 4 weeks
I had this in 2 parts, with the second dose on the first possible day after the required time delay. No problems either time.
I had the two doses of Shingrix with no side effects except a slightly sore arm for a day or two.
I had this vaccine recently and it made me feel very unwell, for over a week. Also arm was sore to the point I couldn’t lie on it for almost two weeks. I know that sounds soft, but I never had any reaction to the Covid vax and didn’t expect to feel that bad after the shingles one. I know it’s two jabs 8 weeks apart - and I won’t be going for the second one
I think we’re much tougher than we think when it comes to pain. My first jab was in my left arm and the pain afterwards travelled up to my shoulder, neck and ear. I said to my husband, ‘I wonder how many people are put off and don’t have the 2nd jab?’ I had the 2nd one in my right arm and the next day the pain travelled down my arm to my hand. I wish I’d had them the other way round! Even so, I’ve known people have shingles and it’s been so bad. Everyone reacts differently, so grit your teeth, it might have no effect at all. Good luck. BW
I'm on biologics and MTX and had no side effects after Shingles vaccs. I've also been lucky and had no reactions to any of the numerous COVID ones, other than an occasional sore arm.
That’s good to hear.
How long were you advised to stay off your meds? Similarly to you , I’m on biologic & MTX & contemplating Shringrix before next round of autumnal flu & Covid vacs. Thanks
I use Methotrexate and the biologic, Simponee. I had the Shingrix vaccination last year and don't remember any after effects at all, not even a sore arm.
I had shingles once, several years ago just after I got out of hospital after a double knee replacement, and kept on getting that scalding feeling in the spot where the shingles were worst for years afterwards. I thought that I don't want to go through that again, even though my Rheumatologist wasn't wildly enthusiastic about it. So far, so good.
hi Gardengirl, I had a bit of a sore arm for both doses, but no other side effects. Hope that helps.
Thanks. I have booked to have the vaccine.
I've recently had the shingrix vaccine because of being on Adulimumab. I had no side effects.
Thanks Jontie. That’s reassuring
I’m going for second one tomorrow will let you know , didn’t feel well after 1 st one , aches and pains , flare up , also had shingles before which was terrible 👍
Thanks. I have just booked mine.
I’m on Methotrexate and Rituximab infusions and had 1 dose of Shingrix last year. 2 days later my arm was sore and very red and I contacted my doctor. I was given a course of antibiotics and diagnosed with cellulitis. Advised not to have the 2nd dose. Didn’t feel ill at all.
Leflunomide and Yellow Fever Vaccination
Shingles Vaccine 
