The shingles vaccine is one of the most widely marketed vaccines on the market. It is difficult to turn on your television in any capacity without enduring some celebrity endorsement over Zostavax. Approved in 2006, the vaccine uses a live virus. And it’s a big seller. But Merck’s manufactured goldmine also has a bit of a “murky” history in terms of side effects.
First, in 2015, the vaccine was found to cause cases of chickenpox (the precursor to shingles). This led to a side effect being added to the label: Shingles. The vaccine targeting people looking to prevent or cure shingles was actually listing shingles as a potential side effect.
This past February, the situation worsened for Zostavax consumers as the FDA listed eye disorders to the list of side effects. Specifically listed was necrotizing retinitis and keratitis. This disorder causes scarring and inflammation of the eyes. It can lead to a loss of vision if left untreated. Researchers found that 20 cases of keratitis in both children and adults occurred within one month of taking the chickenpox of shingles vaccine. The researchers declared there was a likely relationship between the eye disorder and the vaccine but also stated that the research wasn’t intended to prove such. Instead, researchers put out this warning:
“While this is a rare occurrence, it’s important for physicians to know when giving the vaccine to individuals who have a history of the condition because it could be reactivated by the vaccine,” he said
This vaccine also contains monosodium glutamate, or MSG, as it is more popularly known as. The American Heart Association calls MSG “common trigger for Atrial fibrillation.” It has also been linked to killing brain cells, obesity, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
The shingles vaccine has the highest concentration of gelatin of any vaccine. Gelatin is a protein that can cause inflammation. There is a strong relationship between systemic allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis and injected gelatin. Allergic cross-reactions also occur to gelatin-containing foods.
More Shingles Vaccine Side Effects
Here is a list of side effects the manufacturer claims:
- allergic reactions, which may be serious and may include difficulty in breathing or swallowing
- chickenpox
- fever
- hives at the injection site
- joint pain
- muscle pain
- nausea
- rash
- rash at the injection site
- shingles
- swollen glands near the injection site (that may last a few days to a few weeks)
Before taking any vaccine, know and understand the potential for side effects. Read the labels and do the research. Treat vaccines the same as any medicine you might be prescribed. The primary difference? If you have a reaction to a medication you can stop taking the pills. Have a reaction to a vaccine?
You can’t un-vaccinate.
I just had round two of the shingles vaccine and the top of my scalp in about a 5 in round area, When you just lightly touched my heart burn like crazy. Forcefully touching my scalp did not hurt much, but light pressure to my hair made it feel like I had chickenpox or a painful rash. What’s up with that??
I’m reading this a bit late as I had shingles and was told to get the shingrix vaccine. Not wanting to ever experience shingles again, I received the first vaccine three months ago and am to schedule the second dose within six months. Would it be wise not to get the second dose? I was given no information of side effects or allergies, and understood this vaccine didn’t contain the virus. Is this true?
My friends husband had a zostarvac immunization. He had a reaction a did not feel well for about a month. He started feeling weakness in his arms fingers. After extensive testing, he has been diagnosed with ALS. He had no smptoms prior to the vaccine.
Dear Karen – so sad to hear this. Please file a VAERS report at VAERS.hss.gov – remove 100% of all gelatin and gluten from his diet. You may be surprised how much this helps. There is also a class-action lawsuit regarding the shingles vaccine. http://dmlawfirm.com/shingles-vaccine-lawsuit/
I wrote two articles about the shingles vaccine: http://vaxxter.com/shingles-vaccine-maker-merck-sued-in-federal-court/ and http://vaxxter.com/shingles_vaccine_zostavax/
I have had the shingles. Would it be safe to take the shot so I don’t get it again?
Not only is it unsafe, it will be even LESS effective than it is the first time around!
Vaccines are a form of Depopulation The only persons who profit from it are Big Pharma……They make up diseases just to sell DRUGS….also Ruins your immune system
Pasteur was a fraud, stealing and manipulating work of Bechamp; I’d early vaccines killed hundreds of animals when tested.But that didn’t prevent the beginning of vaccine industry.There was no scientific proof of vaccine effectiveness. WW I soldiers fell victim to vaccinations and ever since. Vaccines have been a fraud starting sis Pasteur
The vaccine insert backs ingredients and side effects of this vaccine. Any time you inject a protein (such as gelatin) you create antibodies to that protein. After that, you can react to that protein.
My mom had the shingles vaccine. Several years later she had what was termed a stroke in her eye. A few years after that she ended up with a pacemaker under emergency conditions. An otherwise very healthy woman. The eye problems she’s had to deal with are worse than anything else she’s had to, health-wise. It’s been unbelievable. Do not get any vaccine without realizing the maker of it will not be held liable in case of harm or death. That fact alone should give any rational person pause.
I had the vaccine Zostavax and a few years later had Shingles on the left side of my face. The herpes zoster virus went into my left eye and attacked my cornea. I have very little eyesight in that eye now ~ three years later!
So sorry to hear that Marcia – but thank you for sharing. Perhaps this will warn others to avoid this vaccine.