Shingrix vaccination (shingles)

I received the first of two in a series of Shingrix vaccines Tuesday 17-October. The actual vaccination was straightforward, and not at all unpleasant.

However, the next morning, very early, things definitely changed. I woke at 1:30 am to muscle cramps, mostly in my right foot. I got the shot in my right arm, being that I am left-handed. The cramps lasted about an hour, and felt like my foot was trying to become a hand, and wanted to grip a tool. Even after the cramps subsided, my foot was still quite painful. There were other pains as well, including abdominal cramping. I assumed a fibro flare, though it was an odd presentation. Maybe a bit of PMS to go with it?

I did get back to sleep, around 4:30 am. It was a rough night. Then I woke up around 7:00 am, with chills, a cough, and a stuffy nose. Head cold? Nope. Shingrix side effects, per the CDC Shingrix page. All of those things are fairly common side effects of Shingrix apparently, though according to people I know who had the vaccine already, much more common on the second dose.

The thing is, I have a long history with shingles. I was in college, maybe 19 or 20, when I had the first outbreak. I’ve had several more outbreaks over the years, with the most recent being July 2019. So, I guess my body was reacting to the extant presence of the virus upon vaccination the way many people who’ve not had shingles react to the second dose.

I used Tylenol and generic NyQuil for the symptoms, and was able to get some more rest, which was definitely helpful. You should plan to have a day or two of discomfort from this vaccine, especially if you’ve already had an outbreak of shingles.

That CDC web page says you should report adverse reactions, using a well defined process. Since there’s a way to do that online, and being a good spoonie, I did report it. The reporting process asks for a medical professional to contact if necessary. I listed my current PCP, even though I really have no intention of going in for this.

I sent him a note through the patient portal, just as a heads-up. He responded rather quickly with this comment:

“Unfortunately – common and well known side effects for the shingles vaccine. Usually resolves in 24-48 hours.”

patient portal reply

I was impressed at how quickly he responded. I like this PCP a good bit. I had only had my “new patient” appointment a week before, so we’d only just met. I think we’re going to get along well. He spent the better part of an hour getting to know me and my issues. I felt seen.

Anyway, back to Shingrix. That was yesterday. I was feeling better by the evening, so just about 24 or so hours? This morning, the slight cough came back around 3:00 am. I realized it was a bit chilly in my bedroom, and given my cold sensitivity, I keep a small space heater in my bedroom. I turned it up slightly (it’s thermostatically controlled) and was able to get back to sleep around 4:30 am.

I’m feeling okay today, if a little tired from insufficient sleep. My sleep has been “disordered” for a while now, so coffee is my friend most mornings. But that is a story for another time. I will definitely go back for that second dose. Shingles outbreaks are miserable. If Shingrix can even just reduce the length or severity of an outbreak, I am on board for that. So that’s the story.

Have a great day, and if circumstances prevent that, at least have the best possible day!

Tags: Health, Healthcare, shingles, Shingrix