When a good friend of mine came down with shingles at the just 46, I started thinking seriously about getting the shingles shot. She said having shingles was absolutely terrible, and the symptoms lasted for a long time.

My grandmother and mother-in-law also had shingles, and both described it as one of the worst illnesses they had ever experienced (and they’ve been through a lot!). After hearing their stories, I knew I wanted to get vaccinated as soon as I became eligible.

What Is Shingles?

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a painful rash caused by the varicella-zoster virus—the same virus responsible for chickenpox.

After you recover from chickenpox, the virus does not completely leave your body. It remains inactive in nerve tissue and can reactivate years or even decades later as shingles. The risk increases with age and can also be higher in people with weakened immune systems.

I had chickenpox when I was five, so that meant the virus was still hanging out in my body.

Shingles commonly causes pain, burning, itching or tingling, followed by a blistering rash that usually appears on one side of the face or body. In some people, it leads to long-lasting nerve pain called postherpetic neuralgia.

My friend didn’t even realize it was shingles for the first few days and just thought she had a bad rash. When it didn’t go away, she realized it was some thing worse.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1 million people develop shingles in the United States every year. About one out of every three people will experience it during their lifetime. That’s pretty good odd that you or someone you know is going to end up with it!

Getting My First Shingles Shot

As soon as I turned 50, I decided to get the shingles vaccine, because that is when insurance covers it 100%. I made an appointment at Publix, and the entire process was easy and over with quickly.

My arm was pretty sore the following day—almost as if someone had punched me. I didn’t feel great overall, either. I was tired, and I’m fairly certain I had a mild fever.

These are common shingles shot side effects. Shingrix can cause pain, redness or swelling around the injection site, along with fatigue, headache, muscle aches, chills, fever, nausea or stomach discomfort. Most reactions improve within two or three days.

My symptoms only lasted a day, but my arm was sore for several days.

How Long Between Shingles Shots?

Shingrix requires two shots. For most adults, the second shingles shot should be given between two and six months after the first.

People who are immunocompromised may sometimes receive the second dose one to two months after the first. A healthcare provider can recommend the appropriate timing based on individual health needs.

I got my second shot about four months later. I was very much not looking forward to it because of how the first one made me feel. But completing the two-dose series is necessary to receive the vaccine’s full protection, so I went ahead and got it on a day when I didn’t have anything planned the next day, just in case I felt terrible again.

My Second Shingles Shot Side Effects

My side effects from the second shingles shot were worse than they were after the first one. This time, I felt like I had the flu.

I spent that evening in bed and sweated like crazy. Thankfully, by the following day, I felt okay again.

The shingles vaccine is known for producing a noticeable immune response, so temporary flu-like symptoms are not unusual. The CDC reports that common side effects generally last two to three days and may temporarily interfere with normal activities.

Do Stronger Side Effects Mean Better Protection?

I had read that the stronger your reaction to the shingles shot, the better protected you are. However, that is not necessarily true.

Side effects occur because the vaccine activates the immune system, but the severity of those symptoms does not provide a reliable measurement of how much protection you developed. Someone who experiences fever, chills and fatigue is not necessarily better protected than someone who only has a sore arm—or no noticeable side effects at all.

People’s bodies react differently to vaccines. You can still develop a strong protective immune response without feeling sick afterward.

How Effective Is the Shingles Vaccine?

Although the side effects were unpleasant, I’m very happy to be protected from shingles now.

For adults ages 50 to 69 with healthy immune systems, Shingrix is approximately 97% effective at preventing shingles. It is about 91% effective in adults 70 and older. The vaccine is also highly effective at preventing postherpetic neuralgia, the long-lasting nerve pain that can remain after the shingles rash disappears.

A day or two of feeling unwell was worth it to me, especially after hearing how painful and long-lasting shingles had been for people close to me.

Shingles Shot FAQ

Who Should Get the Shingles Shot?

The CDC recommends two doses of Shingrix for adults age 50 and older. It is also recommended for adults age 19 and older who have weakened immune systems because of an illness or medical treatment.

Ask your healthcare provider whether the vaccine is appropriate for you based on your age and medical history.

How Long Should You Wait Between Shingles Shots?

Most adults should receive the second shingles shot two to six months after the first one. Certain immunocompromised adults may receive it one to two months after the first dose.

What Happens If You Wait Longer Than Six Months for the Second Shingles Shot?

If more than six months have passed, the CDC says you should get the second dose as soon as possible. You generally do not need to restart the vaccine series.

Is the Shingles Shot a One-Time Thing?

The recommended Shingrix vaccination series currently consists of two doses. The CDC does not currently recommend routine booster doses after the series has been completed.

How Often Do You Need a Shingles Shot?

For most eligible adults, Shingrix is a two-dose series rather than a yearly vaccine. Once you have received both doses, no regular repeat dose is currently recommended.

What Are the Most Common Shingles Shot Side Effects in Adults?

Common side effects include:

• Pain, redness or swelling where the shot was given
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches
• Headache
• Chills or shivering
• Fever
• Nausea or stomach pain

Most symptoms clear up within two or three days.

Are Side Effects From the Second Shingles Shot Worse?

They can be, but everyone reacts differently. Some people have stronger side effects after the second shingles shot, while others have milder symptoms or experience little difference between the two doses.

A more intense reaction does not mean the vaccine is working better, and having few or no side effects does not mean it failed to work.

Can You Get Shingles More Than Once?

Yes. Although many people only experience shingles once, it is possible to have it more than once. That is why vaccination is still recommended for eligible adults who have previously had shingles.

Should You Get the Vaccine If You Already Had Shingles?

Yes. The CDC recommends Shingrix even if you have previously had shingles because the illness can return. There is no required waiting period, but the shingles rash should generally be completely gone before you are vaccinated. Ask your healthcare provider when you should receive it.

Can You Get Shingles From the Shingles Vaccine?

No. Shingrix is not a live-virus vaccine, so it cannot give you shingles.

Can You Catch Shingles From Someone Else?

You cannot catch shingles directly from another person. However, someone who has never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine may contract the varicella-zoster virus through contact with shingles blisters. That person would develop chickenpox, not shingles, but could potentially develop shingles later in life.

How Is Shingles Treated?

Antiviral medicines such as acyclovir, famciclovir and valacyclovir may reduce the severity and duration of shingles. They work best when started as soon as possible after the rash appears, so contact a healthcare provider promptly if you suspect shingles.

Where Can You Make a Shingles Shot Appointment?

Shingrix is widely available at pharmacies, medical offices and health clinics. Depending on your location, you may be able to schedule a shingles shot appointment at Publix, CVS, Walgreens or another local pharmacy. Check with the location and your health insurance provider before scheduling to confirm availability and cost.

This article describes my personal experience and is provided for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether and when you should receive the shingles vaccine.