Shingles is a condition caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox. After a chickenpox infection, the virus remains dormant in the body and can reactivate years later, leading to shingles. The shingles vaccine, known as Shingrix, helps prevent this reactivation by preparing the body’s immune system to fight the virus. It is recommended for adults to reduce their risk of developing shingles and its potential complications.
Common Side Effects of the Shingles Vaccine
The Shingrix vaccine can cause common side effects, indicating immune system activation. Diarrhea is a reported gastrointestinal side effect. Other common reactions include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. These gastrointestinal symptoms often accompany systemic reactions like fever, headache, and dizziness.
Beyond gastrointestinal issues, many people experience injection site reactions, such as pain, redness, and swelling. Pain is reported by over 88% of recipients and redness by nearly 39%. Systemic side effects are also frequent, including fatigue, muscle aches, headache, and shivering. About 17% of individuals experience reactions severe enough to temporarily interfere with normal activities. Most side effects are mild to moderate and resolve within two to three days, and may be more pronounced after the second dose.
How Vaccine Side Effects Develop
Vaccine side effects arise from the body’s immune response to the vaccine. Shingrix is a recombinant subunit vaccine, meaning it does not contain a live virus. Instead, it presents a specific viral protein to the immune system. This protein, combined with an adjuvant, stimulates a strong immune reaction.
When the immune system encounters these components, it produces antibodies and T-cells to recognize and neutralize the virus. The temporary symptoms after vaccination are signs that this protective immune response is developing. This process trains the immune system without causing the disease itself. The body’s inflammatory response to the vaccine’s components leads to symptoms like fever, muscle aches, and fatigue.
What to Do About Side Effects
Managing shingles vaccine side effects involves supportive care. For injection site pain, redness, or swelling, apply a cool compress. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can alleviate discomfort from injection site reactions, headaches, muscle pain, and fever. Staying well-hydrated is beneficial, especially with fever or gastrointestinal symptoms. Resting and avoiding strenuous activity for a day or two can also aid recovery.
Most vaccine side effects are temporary and subside within two to three days. However, certain symptoms warrant medical attention. Consult a healthcare provider if side effects are severe, persistent, or worsen. Contact a healthcare provider for signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as hives, facial swelling, difficulty breathing, or a rapid heartbeat. While rare, these reactions require immediate medical care.