Common shingles vaccine (Shingrix) side effects include mild pain and redness at the injection site.
Some people have fatigue, headache, and fever after getting the shingles shot.
The side effects of Shingrix may last for two to three days but are not serious.
Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health
More serious side effects after a shingles shot, like an allergic reaction, are rare.
What Is the Shingles Vaccine?
The shingles shot can protect you from developing shingles symptoms and complications such aspostherpetic neuralgia(PHN).
Common side effects of the shingles vaccine include:
How soon do side effects start after Shingrix?
The shingles vaccine is given in a two-shot series that you get two to six months apart.
You may have side effects after the first, second, or both shots.
The side effects of a shingles vaccine are usually mild.
Some, like a sore arm, will come on immediately after you get the shot.
It typically takes around two or three days for the side effects of the shingles vaccine to go away.
Side effects of the shingles vaccine tend to be more common in younger people.
They are usually mild but might get in the way of your normal daily activities for a few days.
If you have symptoms of anaphylaxis after you get home from getting your shingles shot, call 911.
Your healthcare provider may also file this report for you.
Can the Shingles Shot Cause Guillain-Barre Syndrome?
How Long Are You Contagious After the Shingles Vaccine?
You arenotcontagious after you get the shingles shot.
In the eruptive stage, the pimples turn intoblisters, and your skin can be red and swollen.
Shingles sores also can affect yourmouth.
Shingles is generally notlife-threateningunless you have a weakened immune system.
How Effective Is the Shingles Vaccine?
Clinical trials have shown that Shingrix prevents shingles in at least 91% of people 50 and older.
Common shingles complications include:
What If I Got Zostavax?
Who Should Not Get It
The CDC says some people should not get Shingrix.
What is the controversy with the shingles shot?
The Zostavax shot was previously offered in the United States.
Some people who received this vaccine have alleged that it caused them to develop a severe case of shingles.
Summary
Getting a shingles vaccine is the only way to prevent shingles.
If youre not sure if you might and should get a shingles vaccine, talk to your provider.
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