The Shingrix vaccine can help prevent shingles, but it can have some side effects. Possible Shingrix shingles vaccine side effects include swelling at the injection site, short-term tiredness, and stomach pain.
Shingles, or herpes zoster, is an infection caused by the chicken pox virus, Varicella zoster. Adults who had chicken pox as children carry the dormant virus. The virus can reactivate to cause shingles in later life, but the vaccine can prevent this.
However, some people have concerns about potential dangers and whether shingles vaccines are effective.
One vaccine currently has
This article provides information about the Shingrix vaccine and its possible adverse effects.
![person having the shingrix vaccine](http://i0.wp.com/post.medicalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/11/plaster-Shingrix-shingles-vaccine-header-1024x575.jpg?w=1155&h=1528)
A shingles vaccination can significantly reduce the risk of developing shingles and related complications, including postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a common complication that involves
Other complications of shingles can include:
- Eye complications. Having shingles in or around the eye increases the risk of corneal ulcers, glaucoma, retinal necrosis, and partial or total vision loss.
- Pneumonia. The shingles virus can spread to the internal organs, resulting in internal shingles. People can also develop pneumonia if the virus infects the lungs.
- Encephalitis. If the shingles virus infects the brain, it can cause severe, life threatening inflammation. Encephalitis, or brain inflammation, can cause memory problems, loss of some motor functions, mood changes, epilepsy, and even death.
Pneumonia and encephalitis are rare complications of shingles.
A shingles vaccine may cause the following short-term side effects:
- redness, swelling, or itching near the injection site
- tiredness or fatigue
- headache
- muscle aches and pains
- gastrointestinal symptoms
- fever and shivering
According to the
In rare cases, a person may experience a severe allergic reaction — or anaphylaxis — after a shingles vaccination.
The CDC notes that only
Signs of a severe allergic reaction
- low blood pressure
- dizziness or lightheadedness
- hives
- stomach pain
- vomiting
- anxiety
- breathing problems or wheezing
- swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or uvula, which is a part of the throat
If a person suspects that they or someone nearby is experiencing anaphylaxis, they should seek emergency medical aid.
Anyone in the U.S. who has experienced a severe allergic reaction to the shingles vaccine can report this online using the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System or by calling 1-800-822-7967.
Anaphylaxis: Symptoms and what to do
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be life threatening. The symptoms develop suddenly and include:
- hives
- swelling of the face or mouth
- wheezing
- fast, shallow breathing
- a fast heart rate
- clammy skin
- anxiety or confusion
- dizziness
- vomiting
- blue or white lips
- fainting or loss of consciousness
If someone has these symptoms:
- Check whether they are carrying an epinephrine pen. If they are, follow the instructions on the side of the pen to use it.
- Dial 911 or the number of the nearest emergency department.
- Lay the person down from a standing position. If they have vomited, turn them onto their side.
- Stay with them until the emergency services arrive.
Some people may need more than one epinephrine injection. If the symptoms do not improve in 5–15 minutes, or they come back, use a second pen if the person has one.
Shingrix is the only shingles vaccine that currently has approval from the
According to the
A person will have the Shingrix vaccine in two doses. The
With some exceptions, adults
According to the CDC, research has shown that Shingrix is safe.
Some people experience short-term adverse effects, such as a fever, muscle aches, and headaches. However, these usually last only
In rare cases, people have developed Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) after having the shingles vaccine. However, this can also happen after shingles. GBS is a severe nervous system disorder.
The
It can happen with the following:
- a medical condition that compromises the immune system, such as AIDS
- cancer that affects the lymphatic system or bone marrow
- cancer treatments, such as radiation or chemotherapy
- medications that affect the immune system, such as steroids
However, a person with a weakened immune system should speak with their doctor about whether to have the vaccine and when.
According to the
Older adults and people with weakened immune systems have a higher risk of developing shingles, according to the
The
Adults should also have a shingles vaccine if they:
- do not remember if they have had chicken pox
- do not remember if they have ever had a shingles vaccine
- have already received the Zostavax vaccine, now discontinued
- have a history of shingles
The CDC now recommends the shingles vaccine for younger adults
A person
- during pregnancy
- if they currently have shingles
- if they have previously had a severe allergic reaction to any of the ingredients in the vaccine
- in some cases, if they have a weakened immune system
A doctor can advise an individual on having the Shingrix vaccine.
People who test negative for the Varicella zoster virus can get the chicken pox vaccine instead.
Here are some questions people often ask about shingles immunization.
Which is better, Shingrix or Zostavax?
Zostavax was discontinued in
How long does the shingles vaccine last?
Immunity remains strong for at least
Does Medicare cover Shingrix?
According to the
Medicare Part B does not cover the shingles vaccine.
Medicaid and insurance may cover the cost of Shingrix. A person should check with their insurance provider to see if it is covered.
The risk of shingles significantly increases with age. The FDA and CDC
Some people may have side effects, which usually last