Like all vaccines, the shingles vaccines (Zostavax and Shingrix) can cause side effects, but they're generally mild and do not last long.
Common side effects that occur in at least 1 in 10 people are:
- headache
- redness, pain, swelling, itching and warmth at the injection site
- fatigue
If any side effects carry on for longer than a few days, speak to your GP or practice nurse.
Tell your GP if you develop a rash after having the shingles vaccination.
Catching chickenpox from the shingles vaccine
Very occasionally, a person has developed chickenpox following shingles vaccination (fewer than 1 in 10,000 individuals).
Allergic reaction to shingles vaccination
There is a very small chance of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to the shingles vaccine, as there is with other vaccines.
Anaphylaxis is very serious and potentially life-threatening, but it can be treated. All healthcare staff that deliver vaccinations are trained in this. With prompt treatment, people fully recover from anaphylaxis.
Monitoring the safety and side effects of the shingles vaccine
The Yellow Card Scheme allows you to report suspected side effects from a vaccine. It's run by a medicines safety watchdog called the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
Visit Yellow Card for further information
You can read more about the side effects of the shingles vaccine in the patient information leaflets:
- Electronic Medicines Compendium: Zostavax leaflet
- Electronic Medicines Compendium: Shingrix leaflet
There are two shingles vaccines (Shingrix and Zostavax) available for adults 50 years and older to reduce the chance of developing shingles. Shingrix, a two-dose shot, is preferred because it is more effective. People may have a worse reaction to the first or second dose of Shingrix, or may have side effects from both doses
Shingles is a painful belt-like patterned rash caused by varicella-zoster virus (the same virus that causes chickenpox). Shingles is more common in adults over age 50 and in people who are immunocompromised.
The main way to prevent shingles is vaccination. There are two shingles vaccines available for adults 50 years and older to reduce the chance of developing shingles.
- Shingrix
- Shingrix (recombinant zoster vaccine) requires two doses administered two to six months apart
- The two-dose vaccine is preferred because it is more effective
- Side effects of Shingrix include:
- A sore arm with mild or moderate pain
- Redness and swelling at the injection site
- Tiredness
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Shivering
- Fever
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Side effects usually go away on their own in about 2 to 3 days
- People may have a worse reaction to the first or second dose of Shingrix, or may have side effects from both doses
- Two doses of Shingrix shingles vaccine are more than 90% effective at preventing shingles and postherpetic neuralgia
- Protection from the Shingrix shingles vaccine stays above 85% for at least four years after vaccination
- Zostavax
- Side effects of Zostavax include:
- Redness, soreness, swelling, or itching at the site of the injection
- Headache
- A chickenpox-like rash near the injection site
- Zostavax (zoster vaccine live) shingles vaccine is available in a single dose
- Protection from the Zostavax (zoster vaccine live) shingles vaccine lasts about 5 years
- Zostavax reduces the risk of developing shingles by 51% and postherpetic neuralgia, a complication of shingles, by 67%
- Side effects of Zostavax include:
What Are Symptoms of Shingles?
Early symptoms of shingles include:
- Abnormal sensations such as tingling, itching, or burning on part of the skin on one side of the body
- Headache
- Fever
- Feeling unwell (malaise)
After one to two days, symptoms of shingles include:
- A rash of blisters in a band-like pattern on one side of the body
- Commonly occurs on the trunk (chest, abdomen, and back) but can develop on almost any part of the body
- After three to four days, blisters become open sores (ulcers)
- After 7 to 10 days, the sores crust over and are no longer contagious (in people with healthy immune systems)
- A rash near the eye that can permanently affect vision if not treated
- Pain
- Often starts days before the rash develops
- May range from mild to severe
- May have a stabbing, sharp, or burning feeling
- Only affects the parts of the skin where the rash occurs, but it can be severe and interfere with daily activities and sleep
- Is often worse in older adults than in younger people
Skin color changes and scarring may occur after shingles has gone away.
QUESTION
Shingles is a painful rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. See AnswerWhat Causes Shingles?
Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is a type of herpesvirus and is the same virus that causes chickenpox.
Once a person has had chickenpox, the varicella-zoster virus remains dormant in the body and may be reactivated later in life, causing shingles.
Shingles itself is not transmitted from person-to-person, however, a person who never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine can get chickenpox from a person who has shingles.
How Is Shingles Diagnosed?
Shingles is usually diagnosed with a physical examination and patient history.
A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test may be used to confirm a diagnosis.
What Is the Treatment for Shingles?
Treatment of shingles usually involves a combination of medications.
- Antiviral medications
- Pain medications
- Antibiotics, if the rash becomes infected
- Home remedies to help relieve itching
- Wet compresses
- Calamine lotion
- Colloidal oatmeal baths
From
Reviewed on 5/7/2021
References
//www.uptodate.com/contents/shingles-beyond-the-basics?search=herpes%20zoster&source=search_result&selectedTitle=2~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=2
//www.cdc.gov/shingles/index.html
//www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/shingles/public/zostavax/index.html
//www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/shingles/public/shingrix/index.html