Many times a side effect and a reaction can be similar and for most purposes they are. However, the difference is usually defined by the severity of the reaction the person is having to the vaccine. When you discuss a side effect with someone, they usually think of getting a shot and having a small red area or whelp for a day or two and then it goes away. This is true for the most part with the majority of the side effects that have been encountered by people that have taken the shingles vaccine.

The issue of contention comes into play when the degree of the problem becomes more serious or presents itself more acutely. If you have the shingles vaccine and you are fine for a couple of days and then begin to feel the flu like symptoms that have been reported with the vaccine, then chances are you are experiencing a side effect.

If you have taken the vaccine shot and within a few minutes to a couple of hours you are experiencing difficulty breathing or break out into hives or serious rash, then you are more than likely having a reaction to the shot. You could classify the reaction as an allergic reaction depending upon if you are allergic to the vaccine or not. Most people that have reported side effects or reactions did not report anything that would have been found to be an allergic reaction, from what I have found during researching this topic.

The main thing to remember is if you are in doubt about any problems you might be experiencing or think you are having a side effect or reaction, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor or seek emergency treatment. Also, one of the best things that you can do prior to getting the shingles vaccine is to thoroughly discuss the side effects and your medical history with your doctor to make sure that you are a good candidate for the vaccine. This might help point out any potential problems that your specific medical history would make more obvious.

Learn more about the Shingles Vaccine. It’s risks, rewards, side effects and more.

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