I had my first dose of shingles vaccine on Tuesday, felt achy that night and woke up Wednesday feeling absolutely miserable with full-on flu symptoms. Achy, ears hurting, headache, chills. I cannot remember the last time I felt that ill. I had to cancel a volunteer slot I had signed up to do. Today, Thursday, I am pretty much back to normal, just a little puny. My arm is inflamed with a big red hard spot the size of a bottom of a wine bottle. I would advise getting the vaccine when you have nothing going on for the next few days afterward, in case you react the way I did. But then there is my husband who had the shingles vaccine and the flu vaccine the same day and had very few side effects. So obviously, your mileage may vary.
I was at my MD's for a routine check-up and asked if I could be put on the vaccine wait list. My MD asked if I wanted it that day and I said yes! I was surprised they had it. So much for the shortage. Ask and you shall receive
.