Common

Swelling, redness, itching, bruising, and soreness at the injection site are common side effects of the shingles vaccine. Getting a headache after the shot is given is a common occurrence.

Uncommon

Fever and swollen glands have been reported as a side effect from the shingles vaccine. Rashes at the injection site are fairly common, but occasionally rashes spread throughout the body.

Precautions

Those with allergies to neomycin and gelatin should not take zostavax; they can have severe reactions. It should also not be taken by those taking steroids in high doses or have a weakened immune system. Pregnant women should not get the shingles vaccine.

Chicken Pox

Though shingles is a form of the chicken pox virus, the vaccine is not. Chicken pox is not a side effect of the virus.

Considerations

Zostavax is very helpful in preventing shingles. Since most side effects are not severe, it is considered worthwhile to prevent a debilitating condition.