# I'm getting my second shingles shot this week. What should I expect? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [December 6, 2021, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-getting-my-second-shingles-shot-this-week-what-should-i-expect/955592 "2021-12-06T22:47:19Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![eschrodinger](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschrodinger/32/122_2.png) [@eschrodinger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschrodinger)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2021, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-getting-my-second-shingles-shot-this-week-what-should-i-expect/955592/21 "2021-12-08T21:11:38Z")
I’ve only had my first one, so I’m interested to see what folks are saying here. I got the first shingles shot and a seasonal flu shot the day after Thanksgiving. Six hours later, I had chills and likely a slight fever (I didn’t check until an hour after I’d taken a Tylenol, and then it was 99.4.) Both arms were very sore. I was extremely tired and had sore arms for 2 days. Not exactly looking forward to the next one, but if it’s the same, it won’t be a big deal at all. I just hope it won’t be worse. ---
**Author:** ![Omar\_Little](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omar_little/32/269_2.png) [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2021, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-getting-my-second-shingles-shot-this-week-what-should-i-expect/955592/22 "2021-12-08T22:39:25Z")
> [@teelabrown](#): > > I can’t remember my reaction to the first one, but the second one kicked my butt. I stayed in bed for a day with chills and aches. > > **I’m glad I don’t ever have to get one again**. > [@phs3](#): > > > **Same here**. Uhmmmmm…they say the Shingrex vaccine only protects you from shingles for about 4 years. Unless you don’t plan on living beyond that timeframe. > **[How Long Does the Shingrix Vaccine Last? Dosage & Side Effects](https://www.medicinenet.com/how_long_does_the_shingrix_vaccine_last/article.htm)** > > The effects of the Shingrix vaccine, which provides protection against shingles, last for at least four years in most people and may last even longer in some. Learn about two dosages, side effects, who should take them, and who should avoid them. ---
**Author:** ![teelabrown](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/teelabrown/32/8412_2.png) [@teelabrown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teelabrown)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2021, 10:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-getting-my-second-shingles-shot-this-week-what-should-i-expect/955592/23 "2021-12-08T22:45:58Z")
What the hell? I’m sure I remember being told by a doctor or pharmacist that I didn’t ever need to get another Shingrex vaccine. This isn’t good news. ---
**Author:** ![Yodalicious](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yodalicious/32/8195_2.png) [@Yodalicious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yodalicious)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2021, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-getting-my-second-shingles-shot-this-week-what-should-i-expect/955592/24 "2021-12-08T22:47:25Z")
I get my second one next month. The first one I got at the same time as my flu shot. 1 star. Do not recommend. ---
**Author:** ![JaneDoe42](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/janedoe42/32/14104_2.png) [@JaneDoe42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JaneDoe42)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2021, 10:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-getting-my-second-shingles-shot-this-week-what-should-i-expect/955592/25 "2021-12-08T22:50:28Z")
NOOOOOO!!! I was also told that this was a one time deal. This sucks. Alot, damnit! ---
**Author:** ![gnarator](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gnarator/32/8266_2.png) [@gnarator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gnarator)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2021, 10:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-getting-my-second-shingles-shot-this-week-what-should-i-expect/955592/26 "2021-12-08T22:58:12Z")
First one felt like I got punched in the arm–it hurt while it was being injected, even. Had a mild fever. I scheduled the second for Friday afternoon. Arm wasn’t as sore, but had fever and chills Saturday. Was fine by Sunday. Your plan sounds good. ---
**Author:** ![phs3](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/8491ac/32.png) [@phs3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phs3)\ **Post date:** [December 8, 2021, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-getting-my-second-shingles-shot-this-week-what-should-i-expect/955592/27 "2021-12-08T23:28:12Z")
But the same article says: _According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you do not need a booster dose after getting the two doses of Shingrix._ So, CDC, make up your minds… Acourse we’ll all be dead from COVID22 by the time my Shingrix expires next July. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2021, 3:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-getting-my-second-shingles-shot-this-week-what-should-i-expect/955592/28 "2021-12-09T03:01:17Z")
First shot went OK. I spent a night and next morning with low grade fever and chills/shakes after the 2nd. It was about 15 hours total. I’m a bit apprehensive about the booster. But I have to get it. ---
**Author:** ![JaneDoe42](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/janedoe42/32/14104_2.png) [@JaneDoe42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JaneDoe42)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2021, 3:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-getting-my-second-shingles-shot-this-week-what-should-i-expect/955592/29 "2021-12-09T03:13:41Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > I’m a bit apprehensive about the booster. But I have to get it. My SpikeVax booster was a total non-event…except for the poking with a needle thing. Shingrix doesn’t have a required booster, thank goodness! ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2021, 3:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-getting-my-second-shingles-shot-this-week-what-should-i-expect/955592/30 "2021-12-09T03:15:49Z")
Well, that’s good news 😊 I had misunderstood the current requirements. ---
**Author:** ![JaneDoe42](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/janedoe42/32/14104_2.png) [@JaneDoe42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JaneDoe42)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2021, 3:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-getting-my-second-shingles-shot-this-week-what-should-i-expect/955592/31 "2021-12-09T03:52:05Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > I had misunderstood the current requirements. I’m wondering if I am being unclear (not uncommon for me) because if you are thinking COVID, please get your booster as soon as you can. Mine was a non-event. Shingles (which is a nasty herpes virus) is a different sort of virus and being vaccinated for one doesn’t protect your for the other. Get your COVID booster and call your doctor to ask if you will need a shingles vaccination. Please. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2021, 3:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-getting-my-second-shingles-shot-this-week-what-should-i-expect/955592/32 "2021-12-09T03:57:00Z")
I had mixed up covid and shingles. (thought shingles had a booster too). I am planning on getting the covid booster. ---
**Author:** ![JaneDoe42](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/janedoe42/32/14104_2.png) [@JaneDoe42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JaneDoe42)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2021, 4:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-getting-my-second-shingles-shot-this-week-what-should-i-expect/955592/33 "2021-12-09T04:03:59Z")
Thank you and I’m also sorry for being so unclear. And I think I understand the confusion. A while back, there was a single singles vaccine, so no booster. That vaccine wasn’t as effective as it could have been, so now there is a new vaccine (Shingrix) that takes two shots. I got the first vaccine (can’t remember the name, sorry) and then learned years later that I needed to get two shot Shingrix series. I watched someone suffer from shingles once and I am willing to get the Shingrix shots ever year if needed to avoid that sort of suffering. Hopefully, that won’t be necessary. ---
**Author:** ![Senegoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senegoid/32/6606_2.png) [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2021, 7:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-getting-my-second-shingles-shot-this-week-what-should-i-expect/955592/34 "2021-12-09T07:00:40Z")
> [@JaneDoe42](#): > > I got the first vaccine (can’t remember the name, sorry) and then learned years later that I needed to get two shot Shingrix series. Zostavax. [Wikipedia page](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoster_vaccine) compares Zostavax vs Shingrix point-by-point. The older Zostavax isn’t used in the United States any more. > **[Zoster vaccine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoster_vaccine)** > > A zoster vaccine is a vaccine that reduces the incidence of herpes zoster (shingles), a disease caused by reactivation of the varicella zoster virus, which is also responsible for chickenpox. Shingles provokes a painful rash with blisters, and can be followed by chronic pain (postherpetic neuralgia), as well as other complications. Older people are more often affected, as are people with weakened immune systems (immunosuppression). Both shingles and postherpetic neuralgia can be prevented by v > [@](#): > > Two zoster vaccines have been approved for use in people over 50 years old.[[8]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoster_vaccine#cite_note-Saguil2017-8) **Shingrix** is a [recombinant subunit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subunit_vaccine) vaccine which has been used in many countries since 2017.[[9]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoster_vaccine#cite_note-pmid30361202-9) **Zostavax** is an [attenuated vaccine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attenuated_vaccine) which consists of a larger-than-normal dose of [chickenpox vaccine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varicella_vaccine).[[7]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoster_vaccine#cite_note-Gershon2015-7) Unlike Shingrix, Zostavax is not suitable for people with immunosuppression or diseases that affect the immune system.[[8]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoster_vaccine#cite_note-Saguil2017-8) Zostavax was discontinued in the United States in November 2020.[[10]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoster_vaccine#cite_note-cdc-10) They sure come up with goofy names for medicines. ---
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2021, 7:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-getting-my-second-shingles-shot-this-week-what-should-i-expect/955592/35 "2021-12-09T07:31:37Z")
The only pain I felt after my second shingles shot was in my wallet. My mother had shingles, and it was no fun, so getting the vaccine was a no-brainer for me. ---
**Author:** ![racer72](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/racer72/32/3075_2.png) [@racer72](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/racer72)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2021, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-getting-my-second-shingles-shot-this-week-what-should-i-expect/955592/36 "2021-12-09T17:06:13Z")
I had a sore arm and a headache after the first. My next is scheduled for this Friday. On Saturday my wife and I are going to a birthday party for a 2 year-old. Then Sunday another for someone turning one. I will know very few people at each and really don’t care for kiddy birthday parties. I think I am going to feel pretty crappy after the shot on Friday. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2021, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-getting-my-second-shingles-shot-this-week-what-should-i-expect/955592/37 "2021-12-09T18:02:00Z")
My first Shingrex shot hurt like a mofo. I am **not** looking forward to the second dose. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2021, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-getting-my-second-shingles-shot-this-week-what-should-i-expect/955592/38 "2021-12-09T18:10:05Z")
> [@Omar\_Little](#): > > > [@teelabrown](#): > > > > I can’t remember my reaction to the first one, but the second one kicked my butt. I stayed in bed for a day with chills and aches. > > > > **I’m glad I don’t ever have to get one again**. > > > [@phs3](#): > > > > > **Same here**. > > Uhmmmmm…they say the Shingrex vaccine only protects you from shingles for about 4 years. > Unless you don’t plan on living beyond that timeframe. > > [https://www.medicinenet.com/how\_long\_does\_the\_shingrix\_vaccine\_last/article.htm](https://www.medicinenet.com/how_long_does_the_shingrix_vaccine_last/article.htm) It’s only been on the market 4 or 5 years. I assume no one knows for certain how long it lasts. ---
**Author:** ![JaneDoe42](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/janedoe42/32/14104_2.png) [@JaneDoe42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JaneDoe42)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2021, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-getting-my-second-shingles-shot-this-week-what-should-i-expect/955592/39 "2021-12-09T19:21:16Z")
The shot has happened, no injection pain but my favorite shot giver is always very good. I asked about side effects and he said most folks he’s talked to said the second shot is about the same as the first, so I’m assuming I’m going to feel like crap tomorrow. It would be very nice to think I’ll never have to do this again, but if I have to repeat the process in five years I’ll do it. I had chicken pox as a child and they attacked my eyes, leading to a lifetime of corrective lenses. I have a big fear of shingles finishing the job, a couple of nasty shots every five years will still be better than a lifetime of blindness. @Senegoid thank you for those links. I was vaguely aware of the story, its good to get the details. And yes, they _do_ come up with goofy names for medicines! ---
**Author:** ![Senegoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senegoid/32/6606_2.png) [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Post date:** [December 9, 2021, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-getting-my-second-shingles-shot-this-week-what-should-i-expect/955592/40 "2021-12-09T20:02:11Z")
> [@silenus](#): > > My first Shingrex shot hurt like a mofo. I am **not** looking forward to the second dose. > [@JaneDoe42](#): > > The shot has happened, no injection pain but my favorite shot giver is always very good. Yes, I think that the pain (or lack thereof) at the moment of the injection is mainly a matter of the shot-giver’s technique. With rare exceptions, all the shots I’ve had were totally painless or very nearly so. Any soreness afterward is a separate thing. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-getting-my-second-shingles-shot-this-week-what-should-i-expect/955592.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-getting-my-second-shingles-shot-this-week-what-should-i-expect/955592.md?page=3)