Shingrix vaccine reactions?

[JeniMcC]

Hi Everyone,

It’s been awhile since I’ve posted, as everything is generally stable with me. After watching my mother and friends her age suffer with shingles, I asked my oncologist when it would be appropriate to get the first dose of the Shingrix vaccine, as it is very effective and I definitely don’t want shingles on top of MBC and Type I Diabetes! Anyway, I got my first Shingrix on Tuesday this week. I just started my first week of the monthly cycle of Ibrance, so the oncologist said my counts were great and to go for it. I got a whopper of an immune response, with aches, pain and redness at the injection site, severe fatigue that began about 11 hours post injection and stopped at about 28 hours post injection. I was happy about this, as it means I have a robust immune system! It made the Pfizer mRNA booster reaction seem like a dish of ice cream by comparison. I felt good after about 30 hours, then noticed that I have what looks like evidence of some chicken pox, 4-5 marks on each inner elbow crease, and a few spots on my knees—both on the vaxxed arm and the unvaxxed sides. I don’t have skin problems, generally. I am 50 now and I remember having Chicken Pox when I was 6 years old.

My oncologist said to stop Ibrance until the marks subside and the injection site calms down (it’s still red and itchy—while pox marks are not itchy nor painful at all). The Shingrix literature says that this reaction can happen among 1/10,000 people…but, not much other info is provided.

My question is, has anyone had the Shingrix vaccine while being treated for MBC? What was your experience? If so, how was your second injection and when did you receive it? I’m really trying to understand if this reaction with the ‘rash’ is common among MBC community members, or if it’s just another doorway into my very bizarre immune response. Another learning opportunity?

As always, you all are amazing and I appreciate any experiences you may have.

Many Blessings to you All!

JeniMcC

[Hotlantaphatz]

I typically would take Shingrix prior to MBC diagnosis and Ibrance. My onc told me to not take the shot. So far no outbreak

[JeniMcC in reply to Hotlantaphatz]

Hi Hotlantaphatz, Thanks for your reply. Do you mean you got a dose prior to your cancer diagnosis? Thanks!

[Hotlantaphatz in reply to JeniMcC]

Yes before I was diagnosed I received the shingles vac. But now with my meds ibrance and faslodex my onc suggested that I don’t get the shingles vac. So I followed her advice.

[Gmaoftriplets]

Hello, first I want to say I am also a type 1 diabetic (43 years) MBC for 5. I have not gotten the Shingrix vaccine, I went to go get it 2 weeks ago and the nurse scared me, she asked me if I was really sure I wanted to do this because I would get very sick, so I left. I’ve had shingles 6 times in my life and it is brutal my 95 year old mom is still suffering after getting shingles a year ago. I hope you feel better soon!!

[JeniMcC in reply to Gmaoftriplets]

Hi Gmaiftriplets, Thanks for your reply. Shingles 6 times?!? That sounds truly awful! What did they say about your Type 1 Diabetes, autoimmune issues, and the chronic reinfection with shingles?

I am feeling great today. After 1 day off Ibrance so far, I’m showing no signs of rash (disappeared) nor other symptoms, besides the (normal) redness at the injection site. I will stay off of Ibrance for a few more days, for good measure. I took Shringrix after it was approved by my Oncology team at MD Anderson and also my oncologist where I live in New Mexico. They never know what’s going to happen with me until it actually happens. I’ll keep you all posted on my status, as well as the feedback they give me about this reaction and whether they advise a second shot (with a strategy) when I have my Oncology follow up in a month at MD Anderson. Thank you!

JeniMcC

[Gmaoftriplets in reply to JeniMcC]

My shingles occurred befor my MBC. At the time my endocrinologist never said anything about my diabetes and auto immune issues he said it was stress related and anyone that has had chicken pox can get it. Yes, please keep me posted!!

[fancydog]

Humm, I asked my Oncologist recently about whether I should have the Shingrix Vaccine and she said YES most definitely. I am currently NED and on Faslodex only. I am 7+ yrs MBC but my own mother had flu like symptoms for several days after her first shot but was fine after the second. It sounds like I need to plan for a period of sickness afterward but I have had the shingles one time and do not want them again! Especially now!

[JeniMcC in reply to fancydog]

Hi fancydog, My reaction has been very mild, by most accounts. I was just surprised by the pox-like rash, so I will find out more and share.

[AvidBooklover]

I had the shot. They said no need to worry abt where I was on Ibrance since it was not a "live" vaccine. Got on a Fri. Rolled over in my sleep Fri night on that side and it hurt. Restless night so felt crappy Sat, but fine after that. Had chicken pox at 38, the same week the chicken pox vaccine came out. Crazy!

[Nocillo]

I had both shots, about 3 months apart and no reaction. I’m on Ibrance and Tamoxifen. Sorry to hear about your reaction ☹️

[Aquadog]

Hi! My oncologist suggested I get Shingrix probably about two years after my MBC diagnosis. I had no reaction at all to the first nor the second shot (can't say that for the Covid vaccine - massive fatigue the next day after every shot). I've also known people with shingles and it's no picnic. Hope you get everything sorted.

Sending hugs

Susan

[JeniMcC in reply to Aquadog]

Hi Susan, thanks for your reply. I definitely don’t want to deal with shingles, so I’m glad this has calmed down. I will have been diagnosed 2 years ago at the end of June, so that is good to know about your oncologist’s recommendation being similar to mine. Thanks!