Shingrix is a brand of vaccine commonly used to prevent exposure to the varicella-zoster virus that causes a skin disease, called Shingles. This disease will cause blistering, skin rashes, and pain. The drug mentioned also has side effects ranging from mild to severe. However, can Shingrix cause eye problems?
Basically, Shringx vaccination is a way to train the body’s immune system to respond when viruses or bacteria enter the body. This treatment aims to help boost your immune and prevent Shingles disease. So, how about the side effect? Stick around to get holistic insight and prepare legal act if unexpected effects occur.
Getting to Know Shingrix
Shingrix is the brand name of the Shingles vaccine manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). Before releasing the vaccine to the market, GSK received approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017. Since Shingrix is an intramuscular drug, the injection is given in the upper arm.
You need two complete vaccine injections to boost your immune system against the Shingles virus. After vaccination, the vaccine will work to prevent exposure to herpes zoster. However, the body does not accept the vaccine injection in the long term.
Shingrix is a vaccine for adults aged at least 18 years old who are at high risk of exposure to Shingles or immunosuppression. Apart from that, the vaccine from GSK is also effective in preventing Shingles in adults aged 50 years and over.
Risks and Warnings Guide for Shingrix
Can Shingrix cause eye problems? To answer this question, you need to do an in-depth exploration of the side effects caused. The Good RX page shares risks and warnings that you should consider before using Shingrix. Let’s take a closer view below!
1. Allergy to Vaccines
Since a vaccine is a substance that is injected into the body, the body will react differently. Some people experience allergies to vaccines ranging from mild to severe allergies. Yet, severe allergy after receiving vaccination is a rare condition.
Usually, the healthcare provider will ask you to stay temporarily at the clinic or pharmacy where you are vaccinated to provide appropriate treatment if severe allergies occur after vaccination. Severe vaccine allergies will show the following symptoms, as follows:
- dizzy;
- nauseous;
- shiver;
- rash;
- swollen face;
- feeling faint;
- chest pain;
- difficulty breathing; and
- throat closed.
2. Fainting
For those who ask,” Can Shingrix cause eye problems?”, the risks and warnings after using Shingrix do not indicate this kind of side effects. Experiencing eye problems is a rare condition after receiving the Shingles vaccine injection.
But, you should note that Shingrix received reports that some people fainted while getting the injection or afterward.
Fainting will cause temporary changes in vision, arms and legs will feel twitching and stiff, and a burning sensation. For healthcare providers to anticipate this risk, make sure you inform the healthcare provider if you ever faint while getting the vaccine.
3. Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)
Herpes zoster vaccine injection in older adults can cause Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Even though this condition is rare, some people still report this complaint. People who experience GBS will feel paralysis, muscle weakness, and body tingling.
Usually, Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) occurs after one and a half months after receiving the first vaccine injection. Don’t hesitate to immediately reach a healthcare provider if you feel symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome after receiving the Shiringx vaccine.
Who Should Get Shingrix?
Prior points have already answered the question “Can Shingrix cause eye problems?”, experiencing blindness after getting a Shingrix injection is rare. Apart from that, the Very Well Health page recommends people who have the following conditions take this vaccine.
1. Have Experienced Shingles
If you have had Shingles, it doesn’t mean you are immune to exposure to the virus because you will most likely be infected again. Therefore, people who have had Shingles need to get a Shingrix vaccination.
People who are infected with Shingles should not get the Shingles vaccine because they have to wait for it to heal first. Consult your healthcare service to find out how long you should wait to get the Shingles vaccine.
2. Aged 50 Years and Over
People aged 50 years and over need to get the Shingles vaccine so they are not easily exposed to the virus that causes this skin disease. The reason is that seniors have a weaker immune system, so vaccines are needed to increase their immunity.
3. Unsure You Have Ever Had Chicken Pox
Instead of wondering “Can Shingrix cause eye problems?”, you should still consider the benefits that can make you more immune to Shingles exposure of the Shiringx vaccine. Since side effects that cause eye problems are very rare, you don’t need to be deeply concerned about these side effects.
Besides causing Shingles, the varicella-zoster virus also causes chicken pox. Therefore, those who are not sure if they have had chickenpox need to get the Shingrix vaccine injection as a precaution.
4. Have Received the Zostavax Vaccine
Zostavax is a brand of vaccine to prevent Shingles which was released in 2006. However, this vaccine has been discontinued in the United States since 2020. If you have received the Zostavax vaccine injection, consult with your healthcare provider so that you get the Shingrix vaccine injection schedule.
What Should I Do If I Get Severe Side Effects After Getting Shingrix?
Although the Shingles vaccine rarely causes serious side effects and adverse health, this does not rule out the possibility of this happening. The first thing you have to do is seek medical help to prevent it from getting worse.
After that, you can contact a lawyer to consult whether the health damage you have experienced is eligible to file a claim.
If according to your lawyer the health damage you experienced after getting the vaccine meets eligibility, then you need to collect evidence to strengthen your claim. This evidence includes reports of receiving vaccines, medical records, and other supporting evidence.
Are You Ready to Get the Shingrix Vaccine Injection?
Can Shingrix cause eye problems? The answer is still uncertain since there is a rare possibility. Since reports of eye problems after getting the Shingrix vaccine are infrequent, you don’t need to worry too much about it.
Otherwise, if you experience serious health damage after getting the vaccine, you can take legal action to get justice and compensation.
