The last time we got the shingles vaccine, I felt really bad for about 24 hours. That night I went to bed early with fever. When Vince came to bed, I kept trying to get him to get me warm and he was saying “You’re hot . . stay away from me!” Hmmm . . that’s a story for another day! 🙂
I had taken Tylenol before going to bed so the fever broke and I slept but the next day, sometime before mid-day, the same thing happened. Of course, Vince didn’t feel bad at all.
This time, we both did. I wasn’t glad he felt bad but I was happy that he knew I wasn’t faking it.
We got the shots about 3 p.m. yesterday. He did the sleep study last night and he said he was fine til about 8 this morning. I got up at 6 and felt bad but that could have been because I had only been in bed about 4 hours and had gotten up at 3 a.m. to take Rita out. I took Tylenol and went back to bed.
Vince wanted to run down to the restaurant on our side of town and get a salad for lunch. We were both feeling ok but by the time we got back home, we both took Tylenol and went back to bed. I slept a couple of hours and I think I’m back to normal now but he still feels bad.
My arm was sore last time for about three days but it already feels like it’s not going to be sore at all by tomorrow.
Who knows how effective this new shingles vaccine will be but even with a bit of discomfort, it has to be way, way better than having shingles. I have no idea how long it will be before we need a new vaccine – the pharmacist gave us one number when we got the first one but yesterday said “they’re not sure”. He said he was pretty certain it would last at least 5 years. The bit of discomfort we’ve been through . . well worth it for five years of protection from shingles.
Cilla Tyler says
I refuse to receive the shots for flue, shingles, pneumonia etc and never had any at now age 68. Nor will I ever. After I read the ingredient list I made up my mind. Hope you are both feeling better very soon.
Carol says
I get all the shots my doctor advises for a woman over 65! I always figure like you, the shot has to be not near as bad as getting the illness. So far I have never had any adverse side effects of getting any shot–never even know I have gotten it. And I will NEVER miss getting the flu shot. Missed the shot one year and thought I would die with the flu. Haven’t had the flu since, that was 19 years ago.
Susan says
I don’t usually get shots, but this is one I would get, if it were available. My medical group is waiting a little longer before they dispense the new one, I suppose to see how it works. I have not gotten the old one, because it doesn’t last long enough and isn’t as effective. Do you just have to get the two in the series?
Rebecca in SoCal says
I was just thinking, before I opened my computer, that it’s about time to get my second part of the shingles vaccine. And yes, the discomfort is better than what shingles can be…I could tell you a horror story (someone else, not me). I am disappointed to hear “5 years”, though. That doesn’t seem very long. Well, who knows what they will come up with by then?
Judy Laquidara says
He wasn’t sure about the five years. I think he said “at least 5 years”. Apparently they’ve been told not to give definite information. Also, Vince got a pneumonia shot in March and Ithink he was supposed to get the second one in 3 months or 6 months and the pharmacist told him that’s now changed to 1 year.
Carolyn says
Thank you for getting the shingles shot. Shingles are horrendous. I got them 6 years ago for the first time, too young to get the shot. I’ve had the 4 or 5 times since. The entire left side of my body is involved. The most recent bout was in November and involved the nerves on the top of my left leg. Last week I wasn’t being careful because I don’t always lift that leg enough when I walk and I tripped on a sidewalk, landing on my knees and face. Gave myself a lovely shiner and fat lip. I live on Percocet and medical marijuana for the pain, along with nerve medications and my life has never been the same. I tell everyone to get the shot if they are eligible…although my son has had shingles and he’s only 30. He doesn’t have the pain I have though, thank God!
Marilyn Smith says
My dear mother suffered greatly from shingles before her death. Her body, from her upper legs to the top of her head were covered. It caused her to become bedridden. The pain was horrific. Cleaning her sores was an awful experience. A dear friend (who is a nurse practitioner) now has them for the third time. No one could diagnose that they were indeed shingles. She is having terrible pain again . She finally got into Stanford Univ. hospital where she finally got the diagnosis and he did prescribe a med that will give her pain relief so she will e able to sleep. We have had plenty of friends suffer with them. It is nothing anyone should have to go thru. We have had the original shot a few years back but will inquire about the new one on my next dr. visit.