topic Re: Shingles (Zoster) Vaccine in Community Chat

Shingles (Zoster) Vaccine

Vamp — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 20:28:51 GMT

I got a shingles vaccine about two weeks ago. Where the injection was given (the back of my arm), I had a reaction, which is not uncommon. There was an area of about 3" x 4" or 5" that looked like one big hive--it was red, painful, and itched. This did not alarm me as I realize this is not an unusual side effect.

After about a week, the pain and itching subsided, but I still have a mark (albeit smaller than the original area) that looks like a pale red bruise. I am just wondering if anyone else had this sort of reaction and how long the mark remained. Like I said, I am not concerned at all, just curious as to what others experiences were. Thanks.

Re: Shingles (Zoster) Vaccine

Cakers1 — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 20:33:41 GMT

Vamp: My DH had the vaccine with no issues. I'm sure you'll be fine - if you have concerns just call your doctor's office to ease your mind (or wherever you had the shot).

I'm glad you had it, though. Shingles is a horrid thing to go through.

Be well.

Re: Shingles (Zoster) Vaccine

Clover29 — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 20:58:52 GMT

I had the shot in April. My arm was hot, red and itchy around the site for a couple of days, sort of like hives. The pharmacist warned me that would happen. I didn't have any mark afterwards though.

Re: Shingles (Zoster) Vaccine

Vamp — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 21:06:16 GMT

Thanks for your responses. I am not at all concerned. I read that 1 in 3 people have a reaction like this, so it's not unusual and, of course, it varies from person to person. I was just curious if anyone had any anecdotal stories with similar experiences. I don't think the mark is permanent, but I was surprised that I can still see it two weeks later. It is definitely much better than it was the first week, so again, no concern.

I am very glad I got the vaccine. I tried to get it about 2 years ago when a friend of mine got shingles at age 56 and was very miserable. At the time, it was in short supply and I wasn't able to get it. Although I am only 54, I don't want to take the risk of ever getting shingles!

Re: Shingles (Zoster) Vaccine

Clover29 — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 21:27:14 GMT

Availability of the vaccine seems to vary widely. My pharmacy had a display sign urging anyone over 50 to get the shot; I filled out the form, but DH had recently changed jobs and our old pharmacy was now out of network for our new insurance. I phoned the insurer, who said yes, they absolutely cover it for anyone (even under 50s), but it was the pharmacies who were difficult to work with. The pharmacies all wanted a doctor's prescription. My doctor couldn't give the shot, it was only covered if I got it at a pharmacy. It was all very convoluted and bureaucratic, but in the end I got the scrip and all was fine at the pharmacy (albeit a different chain than my old one).

It was hard work getting it, but I'm glad I did. I sure don't want shingles (and yes, I know the shot isn't a guarantee of not getting shingles, but at least it should reduce the symptoms greatly).

Re: Shingles (Zoster) Vaccine

Vamp — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 22:05:58 GMT

I got my shot at Walgreens, Clover, but I did have an Rx from my PCP. They don't give shots in their office either because it is a live vaccine and expensive to carry (at least that is what they told me). I guess Walgreens goes through the vaccines more quickly and they don't have to discard old medication.

You are lucky that your insurance paid for it. Mine did not, and the vaccine set me back around $225. However, I consider that money well spent if it prevents or reduces a shingles outbreak.

Re: Shingles (Zoster) Vaccine

Cakers1 — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 22:13:32 GMT

On 11/16/2014 Vamp said:
I got my shot at Walgreens, Clover, but I did have an Rx from my PCP. They don't give shots in their office either because it is a live vaccine and expensive to carry (at least that is what they told me). I guess Walgreens goes through the vaccines more quickly and they don't have to discard old medication.

You are lucky that your insurance paid for it. Mine did not, and the vaccine set me back around $225. However, I consider that money well spent if it prevents or reduces a shingles outbreak.

Vamp: Many doctors do not carry it in office because it has to be refrigerated at a certain temp (frozen)? DH had his at CVS. Medicare paid a good portion of it, thankfully.

If he had still been on my ins. it would have cost $175 out of pocket. And the vaccine alone runs about $300 with no insurance, at least that's what we were told.

Re: Shingles (Zoster) Vaccine

Lotus — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 22:14:29 GMT

The same thing happened to me....it was very it chy. The i t ch went away before the mark...I don't remember how long it took.

It got smaller every day though.....maybe 10 days or so??? I put Cortaid on it.

***Stupid standards would not allow my post to save until I changed the spelling of ""i t ch""

Re: Shingles (Zoster) Vaccine

Shelbelle — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 22:23:53 GMT

I had a very large red patch a few days after the shot, lasted about a week.

Re: Shingles (Zoster) Vaccine

Shelbelle — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 22:25:18 GMT

My doctor has it right in the office. I just went in asked for it, got it and was paid for by insurance at age 60.

Re: Shingles (Zoster) Vaccine

Lotus — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 22:32:34 GMT

My PCP wanted $250 up front....told me to go to CVS...went to CVS and got it right away....I think my co-pay was $20 bucks.

Re: Shingles (Zoster) Vaccine

Blahblahvampemer — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 22:43:33 GMT

My dad had shingles, a bad case that hurt one of his eyes, and he'll probably get the vaccine so it--hopefully--doesn't hit him again. Given the overall effectiveness, I'm wary. I was going to get it myself, but I'm allergic to the base. Luckily there are natural ways to battle a shingles flare up, and I'll go with that method.

Re: Shingles (Zoster) Vaccine

Vamp — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 23:02:40 GMT

On 11/16/2014 Lotus~ said:
The same thing happened to me....it was very it chy. The i t ch went away before the mark...I don't remember how long it took.

It got smaller every day though.....maybe 10 days or so??? I put Cortaid on it.

***Stupid standards would not allow my post to save until I changed the spelling of "i t ch"

i t c h? I guess it means something else

Mine no longer itches and the spot is getting smaller, too. I didn't think to put Cortaid on it. At this point, it's not bothering me, but dang! It hurt for a couple of days! I'm sure it didn't hurt half as much as having shingles does though, so that's all the complaining I'm going to do.

Re: Shingles (Zoster) Vaccine

Clover29 — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 23:06:07 GMT

On 11/16/2014 blahblahvampemerblah said: My dad had shingles, a bad case that hurt one of his eyes, and he'll probably get the vaccine so it--hopefully--doesn't hit him again. Given the overall effectiveness, I'm wary. I was going to get it myself, but I'm allergic to the base. Luckily there are natural ways to battle a shingles flare up, and I'll go with that method.

What do you suggest? I googled "natural treatments for shingles" and am unimpressed with what I found. Calamine lotion. Lukewarm oatmeal baths. Aspirin. Papaya.

Re: Shingles (Zoster) Vaccine

Lotus — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 23:11:57 GMT

On 11/16/2014 Vamp said:
On 11/16/2014 Lotus~ said:
The same thing happened to me....it was very it chy. The i t ch went away before the mark...I don't remember how long it took.

It got smaller every day though.....maybe 10 days or so??? I put Cortaid on it.

***Stupid standards would not allow my post to save until I changed the spelling of "i t ch"

i t c h? I guess it means something else

Mine no longer itches and the spot is getting smaller, too. I didn't think to put Cortaid on it. At this point, it's not bothering me, but dang! It hurt for a couple of days! I'm sure it didn't hurt half as much as having shingles does though, so that's all the complaining I'm going to do.

I kept getting a red alert at the bottom of my post telling me the word beeeeee-i t c h wasn't allowed. But I didn't type that word.

Weird.

Reply not saved. The following words are not allowed: B*i tcc h

Re: Shingles (Zoster) Vaccine

MrsSweetieBear — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 23:28:24 GMT

On 11/16/2014 Vamp said:
Thanks for your responses. I am not at all concerned. I read that 1 in 3 people have a reaction like this, so it's not unusual and, of course, it varies from person to person. I was just curious if anyone had any anecdotal stories with similar experiences. I don't think the mark is permanent, but I was surprised that I can still see it two weeks later. It is definitely much better than it was the first week, so again, no concern.

I am very glad I got the vaccine. I tried to get it about 2 years ago when a friend of mine got shingles at age 56 and was very miserable. At the time, it was in short supply and I wasn't able to get it. Although I am only 54, I don't want to take the risk of ever getting shingles!

Here's my anecdotal story. My injection site was such a non issue, I literally forgot all about it. In my morning shower the next, I used my shower poof thingy vigorously scrubbing at the back of both arms per usual without giving it a thought.

Later in the day I caught a glimpse of the now very red and irritated area! Kind of raw and sore too. Yikes! I thought maybe I given myself a permanent scar when it remained there for a couple of weeks well after the discomfit part had healed. But it did finally go away and I've almost forgotten about it...until a post like this reminds me, LOL!

Re: Shingles (Zoster) Vaccine

AnikaBrodie — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 23:32:07 GMT

I got the shingles vaccine last year at a local pharmacy and my insurance paid for most of the cost. Actually, a pharmacist came and talked to each individual getting the vaccine and told them what to expect. He explained the vaccine and noted the reaction varies from a sore arm to itching to bruising in many cases. Fortunately, I only had a sore arm at the injection site for a couple days.

I had a very bad case of shingles many years ago and. hopefully, will never go through that again. A sore arm is much more tolerable than a case of shingles. Your arm should be back to normal in a few days. If not, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

Re: Shingles (Zoster) Vaccine

Hooty — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 23:32:10 GMT

I had a red area where the shot was given, and it was a little sore for a couple of days, but my Pharmacist told me this when she gave me the shot!

Re: Shingles (Zoster) Vaccine

151949 — Sun, 16 Nov 2014 23:40:52 GMT

I went to walgreens to get my shingles shot - I had filled out the paperwork and paid my $95 copay already. The Pharmacist came out and asked me how severe my latex allergy was - to which I answered that it is pretty severe. She refused to give me the shot and refunded my payment. When I got back to Fl I asked my PCP about it and he looked at the vial and said - yes, there is a warning on the vial not to give to someone who has a latex allergy. So, OP , do you perhaps have a latex allergy? Do you get a rash from tape or band aids? That could be the issue.

Re: Shingles (Zoster) Vaccine

Vamp — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 01:37:41 GMT

Lotus: Guess it is just your lucky day with webbie!

Mrs. Sweetie Bear: glad your injection site healed! I forgot about my shot the first day as well. In fact, that evening I remembered briefly and smugly thought I had avoided any side effects (yes, Hooty, I was also informed about possible side effects by both my PCP and the pharmacist). The next day was when it became red, sore, and itchy... Oh, well. Like I said, it's better than getting shingles.

Anika: I agree, the discomfort of a vaccine is a small price to pay even if it only reduces the symptoms of shingles. And I hope you never get it again either! Bless your heart!

happy housewife: That is interesting that the vaccine shouldn't be given to those who have a latex allergy; I would never have thought of that. However, I have been exposed to latex on multiple occasions (I wear latex gloves quite a lot, in fact) and have never had a problem. I think I am just one of those lucky ones who reacted to the vaccine. As I said, it is not uncommon to get redness, itching, pain, swelling (like hives) and a hot spot at the injection site.