Shingles vaccine - side effects

Medical Q&A [Moderated]
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1

Hi Drs. Baraki and Feigenbaum,

My mom (mid 60s) had her first shingles shot recently and got a rash on her face that lasted about a week. The symptoms were most intense for about three days, but it took a full week for her to be comfortable leaving the house. This was part one of a two-part series of shots. What factors should she consider when it comes to opting or declining the second dose? Does her adverse reaction to the first shingles shot predispose her to the same - or worse - for the second shot? Possibly relevant data: She had a pretty wicked case of chickenpox as an adult. She was in her late 30s or early 40s at the time.

Thank you,

2

Assuming she received the Shingrix vaccine, 2-3 days of symptoms afterwards is typical and indicative of the immune response ramping up as it should. Unfortunately I can’t comment much on this rash, what it could have been, and the extent to which it was related to the immunization. However, evidence on this vaccine suggests that symptoms after the second dose tend to be milder than after the first dose (source).

3

Thanks for your input, Doc. Yes, it was the Shingrix vaccine. I talked to her today and she’s comfortable going for round two.