Can the shingles vaccine cause neurological problems?

The side effects of the singles vaccine Zostavax allegedly caused a Kentucky woman to develop painful and permanent nerve damage, known as peripheral neuropathy, according to a recently filed product liability lawsuit.

Can shingles shot cause neurological problems?

Most Zostavax cases involving brain damage pertain to acquired brain injuries. These injuries are associated with pressure on the brain and may result from a neurological illness (as with a stroke).

Is there a downside to the shingles vaccine?

The most common side effects of a shingles vaccine are redness, pain, tenderness, swelling and itching at the injection site, and headaches. The shingles vaccine Zostavax is no longer sold in the U.S. but may be available in other countries.

Can the shingles vaccine cause Guillain Barre Syndrome?

A slight increased risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) was observed during the 42-day period following recombinant zoster vaccination (Shingrix) in Medicare beneficiaries.

Can shingles vaccine cause tremors?

Most people have a sore arm after they get Shingrix. Many people have redness and swelling on their arm spanning several inches where they got the shot. Many people also feel tired or have muscle pain, a headache, shivering, fever, stomach pain, or nausea.

Expert Insights: Should I get the shingles vaccine?

Is second Shingrix shot worse than first?

To answer your questions in order: You are at higher risk for a similar reaction for the second shot. I would plan your day accordingly, and premedicate with Tylenol (even though it may make the vaccine slightly less effective). The second vaccine is identical to the first.

What's the latest on the shingle vaccine lawsuit?

[August 18, 2021 Update: The shingles vaccine lawsuit in the MDL was originally filed on behalf of 22 plaintiffs. In August 2021, it is now over 2130. The first Zostavax trial will be on January 18, 2022. The outcome of this trial will have an impact on the ultimate settlement compensation payouts in these lawsuits.]

Can shingles vaccine trigger autoimmune disease?

Zoster vaccine is, therefore, relatively safe and unlikely to exacerbate or induce autoimmune diseases. Given its benefits and safety but low coverage, dermatologists and primary care physicians should encourage zoster vaccine use in elderly patients, including selected patients with autoimmune diseases.

What syndrome is associated with the shingles vaccine?

Purpose: To inform the public and healthcare providers that FDA has required and approved safety labeling changes to the Prescribing Information for Shingrix (Zoster Vaccine Recombinant, Adjuvanted) to include a new warning about the risk for Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) following administration of Shingrix.

Can Shingrix cause paralysis?

Federal drug regulators have announced new warnings about the potential risk of Guillain-Barre Syndrome after a shingles vaccine, indicating side effects of Shingrix may cause the rare and serious disorder, which leaves users with muscle weakness and even paralysis.

What are the pros and cons of getting the shingles vaccine?

The efficacy of the vaccine is approximately 51% for reducing the actual rash and a 67% for reducing the post-herpetic pain (neuralgia) associated with the shingles. Studies show a decline in efficacy of the vaccine preventing the post-herpetic pain during the first three years of vaccination from 67% to 31%.

Do I need to get Shingrix every 5 years?

The effects of the Shingrix vaccine last for at least four years in most people and may last even longer in some. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you do not need a booster dose after getting the two doses of Shingrix.

Should a 90 year old get a shingles vaccine?

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all people 60 years of age or older be vaccinated with one dose of Zostavax to prevent shingles. The older a person is, the more severe the effects of shingles can be, so it is worthwhile for your 90-year-old mother to get the vaccine.

How long after Shingrix shot do side effects appear?

Most people can resume their regular activities immediately after vaccination. However, about 1 out of 6 people develop flu-like symptoms (fever, fatigue, discomfort and malaise) that last anywhere from 1 to 3 days. Side effects can occur after the first, second, or both doses of Shingrix vaccine.

Can Shingrix vaccine cause Bell's palsy?

The researchers found no increased risk in the first six weeks after vaccination for stroke, heart disease, infections of the brain or spinal cord or other brain diseases, Bell's palsy, or Ramsay-Hunt syndrome, which can occur when the virus that causes shingles affects the facial nerve near an ear.

Why was Shingrix recalled?

The recall is a precautionary measure due to the potential for loss of integrity of the antigen vial, although a search of GSK's global adverse event database has not identified a safety signal for Shingrix lot #9LH3Y related to infections or lack of efficacy, events that could occur if there were a loss of integrity ...

Should seniors get the new shingles vaccine?

A new shingles vaccine is rolling out across the Military Health System, and health care experts say it's a game changer. The vaccine, Shingrix, is recommended for healthy adults 50 and older to prevent shingles, a painful skin rash that can have debilitating long-term effects for older people.

Why was Zostavax taken off the market?

Zostavax—A Vaccine for Shingles—Found to Cause Shingles

The FDA asked Merck for another label change to warn those taking Zostavax that the vaccine could potentially cause necrotizing retinitis—an extremely serious eye disease.

Which is better Shingrix vs Zostavax?

The main difference is that Shingrix is more effective at preventing shingles (herpes zoster virus) than Zostavax (overall: 97.2% vs. 51%, respectively). Shingrix is an FDA-approved vaccine to help prevent the occurrence of herpes zoster (shingles).

How can I reduce the side effects of Shingrix?

Taking an over-the-counter pain medicine such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen after getting Shingrix can help ease discomfort from side effects. Contact your doctor if you have serious side effects.

Can you take Tylenol after shingles shot?

Important reminders. You may choose to take an over-the-counter pain medicine such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen after getting Shingrix to ease discomfort from side effects. If you get side effects after the first dose of Shingrix, you should still get the second dose to get the full protection from the vaccine.

Who shouldn't get the Shingrix vaccine?

Who shouldn't get Shingrix? The vaccine is safe for healthy adults ages 50 and over. "That's a huge segment of the population," Schaffner says. The only people who should definitely not get this vaccine are pregnant women and anyone who has ever had a severe allergic reaction to Shingrix or any of its ingredients.

What age do you stop getting shingles vaccine?

There is no maximum age for getting shingles vaccine. Two vaccines are licensed and recommended to prevent shingles in the U.S.. Zoster vaccine live (ZVL, Zostavax) has been in use since 2006.

What vaccines should a 70 year old have?

How common is post-herpetic neuralgia?

Post-herpetic neuralgia is a lasting pain in the areas of your skin where you had shingles. Around one in five people with shingles will get post-herpetic neuralgia. People age 50 and over are particularly at risk. Many people with post-herpetic neuralgia make a full recovery within a year.