Con asked
I am 73 and typically don’t get sick. I had first Shingrix shot yesterday. Couldn’t sleep last night. Very sore stomach this morning getting progressively worse. Maybe a slight fever. Stomach just hurts all over below the belly button. 2 bowel movements but not diarrhea. Slightly nauseous. Is this a possible reaction or maybe appendicitis?
Answer
Shingrix is a vaccine used in the prevention of the virus that causes shingles. It is typically recommended in patients over the age of 50 years old. Some of the most common side effects from the Shingrix vaccine include:
- Fatigue (37% to 57%)
- Headache (29% to 51%)
- Shivering (20% to 36%)
- Gastrointestinal cramping and related effects (14% to 24%)
- Pain at injection site (69% to 88%)
- Swelling at injection site (23 tp 31%)
- Muscle aches and pains (35 to 57%)
- Fever (14 to 28%)
It is possible that the side effects you are experiencing are due to the Shingrix vaccine. Generalized gastrointestinal symptoms and fever are noted side effects. However, if the pain continues to worsen, a call to your doctor or other health care provider should be made. While upset stomach and fever can be attributed to the vaccine, stomach pain is not necessarily explained by the vaccine and should be discussed with your doctor. More information on the Shingrix vaccine can be found below.
Shingrix Vaccine
The Centers for Disease Control estimates over 1 million cases of herpes zoster, or shingles, occur each year. Herpes zoster is a painful, skin eruption that occurs due to the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus in the body. A painful complication of shingles is postherpetic neuralgia, a persistent pain that can last for at least 90 days following the disappearance of the herpes rash. This complication can occur in 10-13% of patients that have shingles and the incidence increases with age.
It is recommended adults over 50 years of age who are immunocompromised or have chronic medical conditions receive a vaccine, like Shingrix, to prevent the reactivation of the herpes zoster virus in the body. Patients who are have moderate to severe illness should wait to receive the vaccination until the illness has past. Per the package insert, Shingrix is 91.3% effective in patients 70 years of age or older in reducing the development of herpes zoster.
Conclusion
Shingrix is a vaccine recommended for patients over the age of 50 years old. As listed above, side effects of gastrointestinal effects and fever are possible with the Shingrix vaccine. Stomach pain may or may not be because of the Shingrix vaccine and should be discussed with your doctor or other health care provider.
