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oregonjen

(3,547 posts)
Tue May 20, 2025, 11:31 AM May 20

Got my 2nd dose of the shingles vaccine

February of 2020, I got my first dose, then lockdown. I was one of those people who didn’t get the second dose. Yeah, I know, not a smart decision. Yesterday, I FINALLY went in to get it done and was told I don’t have to start all over again. What a relief! I’m sitting on the sofa with a fever, body aches and a headache, but it’s better than getting shingles.

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viva la

(4,111 posts)
1. I also had a sore response to that vaccine.
Tue May 20, 2025, 11:34 AM
May 20

I hope you feel better soon! At least it's not as bad as the ailment itself.

I'm surprised that you didn't have to re-do the first dose. That must have been giving you at least some protection all along.

oregonjen

(3,547 posts)
3. According to the pharmacist, I don't have to start over.
Tue May 20, 2025, 11:39 AM
May 20

Reading online, studies showed one doesn’t need to start over, which matches what the pharmacist said.
You’re right, the side effects are better than actually getting it.

Scrivener7

(55,781 posts)
2. That's a rough one. But just think: soon this will pass, and then you'll never get shingles!
Tue May 20, 2025, 11:37 AM
May 20

Congratulations. Feel better soon.

jmbar2

(6,884 posts)
6. I haven't been in for my second yet - got the first about a year ago
Tue May 20, 2025, 11:48 AM
May 20

You inspire me to get it done before my favorite Rite Aid/pharmacist goes away. Thanks.

I do remember it being the worst of all the vaccines for soreness afterwards. But worth the short-term discomfort compared to shingles.

Drum

(10,316 posts)
8. I got my first and then forgot about for a year,
Tue May 20, 2025, 11:53 AM
May 20

and then got my second a few months ago. I’m glad I did, and you will be too.

Mosby

(18,540 posts)
10. I just learned today
Tue May 20, 2025, 12:01 PM
May 20

That if you never had chicken pox, but recieved the varicella vaccine, you can get shingles.

oregonjen

(3,547 posts)
11. Oh wow, didn't know that.
Tue May 20, 2025, 12:03 PM
May 20

Will need to advise my kids to get vaccinated when it’s recommended.

Mosby

(18,540 posts)
14. The chicken pox vaccine is a live virus.
Tue May 20, 2025, 01:46 PM
May 20


We just told you that you get shingles when the virus that causes chicken pox reactivates inside your body, so it would seem to follow that if you've never had chicken pox, you can't get shingles. But there's a catch: If you've had the chicken pox vaccine, you've been exposed to the virus that causes both chicken pox and shingles. "The varicella vaccine is a live, attenuated virus, so if you've gotten it, you have the virus in your body, same as if you'd had chicken pox," says Lorraine. Translation: You may be immune to chicken pox, but you're theoretically still at risk for shingles. No one really knows what the odds of shingles are in this case, since the varicella vaccine is only 20 years old, says Lorraine. Time will tell.


https://www.prevention.com/health/a20499391/6-myths-about-shingles-you-still-believe/

MIButterfly

(426 posts)
12. I got my shingles shots a few years ago.
Tue May 20, 2025, 12:04 PM
May 20

I got the second one with another shot and it hurt like hell. That was the only shot out of all of them (COVID; flu; shingles; and pneumococcal pneumonia) that hurt the second they did it and for about four days afterward. I figure it was a small price to pay. I did get side effects with the COVID shots, but they were relatively minor and lasted less than a day.

Hope you get over your side effects soon!

MIButterfly

(426 posts)
15. It's my understanding (and It's just what I've heard) that
Tue May 20, 2025, 04:26 PM
May 20

side effects are proof that the vaccine is working, so I guess that's the good part of them.

bif

(25,552 posts)
16. Got mine about a year ago.
Tue May 20, 2025, 04:38 PM
May 20

The second one was pretty rough. Had the chills for about 24 hours--I just could not get warm. Then I was fine.

Niagara

(10,665 posts)
17. Feel better soon, oregonjen
Tue May 20, 2025, 05:33 PM
May 20

🌞🌼🧸


Do you get this reaction when you receive your Covid vaccine as well?

I'm asking because next year I'll be receiving my first shingles vaccine but I only get a sore and tender arm with the Covid vaccine.

I don't really know how I'll react to the shingles vaccine.

oregonjen

(3,547 posts)
19. Yes, I get fever, chills, body aches and a huge headache after Covid shots, too
Tue May 20, 2025, 07:08 PM
May 20

I guess that’s just the way my immune system works.

Niagara

(10,665 posts)
20. Everyone's different and has a different reaction
Tue May 20, 2025, 07:43 PM
May 20

And that's okay.


Be well and stay hydrated, oregonjen.



nuxvomica

(13,329 posts)
18. After each shot, I was sick for exactly 24 hours
Tue May 20, 2025, 06:03 PM
May 20

Then suddenly, I felt fine. For the second one I timed it. Got the shot at 2pm on a Friday, was iffy until bedtime, woke up in the morning feeling like I had the flu, but by a little after 2 pm, all the symptoms disappeared at once. Definitely worth it.

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