I'm getting my second shingles shot this week. What should I expect?

I had my second Shingrix shot Thursday afternoon. They said to expect more severe side effects than from the first, but that they’d be over within 48 hours. I’ve been a little tired, and my arm is sore, but nothing debilitating.

The arm soreness is definitely a little worse than it was from my COVID booster a week ago. Does anyone know whether that reflects anything about the respective chemical contents of the vaccines? The relative thickness of the needles? The technique of the person who administered it?

My shingles shots my arm hurt more than my Moderna shots or booster. All five plus flu were done by the same person who always seemed to be in a good mood. I know this isn’t an answer, but it is one small data point.

I used to know a doctor who was a horrible shot giver, his nurse could use the same needle and dose to give you a shot so slickly you didn’t even notice the stick.

Yeah, same for me. I had reactions to all as well, but, again, the Shingrex reactions were stronger and lasted longer.

My tetanus shot went in one arm and the shingles and flu shots in the other, all within a couple minutes. The tetanus arm hurt for a couple of days. But I hear I should prepare for a response to the second shingles shot.

Just got the second shot this evening. My arm is very sore, and I’m going to bed early. Glad i thought to give them the side i mostly don’t sleep on.

Good on you for getting it done. I understand that some minor suffering for a few days (for most people, my suffering was much more serious!!!) is better than the weeks long living hell then a dose of shingles usually is.

There’s a newer thread on the same topic:

May as well keep the current commentary together, so I’ll close this one.