Had my first ever reaction to flu vaccine
this was my first year for the higher dose version (now that I am 65) - I've gotten the flu vaccine for years with not a bit of reaction. Had my shot in the mid afternoon, was fine, tiny bit of injection site soreness. Went to bed at midnight - couldn't fall asleep, then all of a sudden felt really cold (just couldn't warm up) - then felt really warm and in a bit of a cold sweat (wife felt my forehead, noted I was warm). Arm was sore, got up for some ibuprofin - felt really nauseous. Went back to bed and was on my back - drifted off, slept until 7, the various symptoms were gone - spent yesterday low energy...today feel great (just went on a long hike off of the Blue Ridge parkway).
So weird - like I went through an array of flu symptoms overnight - then - poof - they were gone. My assumption is that it was the higher dose in the 65 and older super duper version, maybe the particular mix of components.
Weird!
= new reply since forum marked as read
So now I've got my flu, got my shingles a few years ago - I think I am due for pneumonia vax for the first time very soon. Hoping for the Moderna booster before too long.
I feel like an old car that needs to be run into the shop in a timely manner so everything keeps running well!
As a scientist, I do believe and trust science.
I normally have virtually no notable reaction to any vaccines (not good of course), but the site was sore without touching it and itched through the following day. And is still sore a bit now that you draw my attention to it. 
In any case, "congratulations" on an apparently robust response. My husband had your reaction, same symptoms, etc, with the new Pfizer booster.
I learned from my COVID shot - right in the shoulder bone and hurt for a month.
so far so good on the second shingle shot.
Everyone reacts differently. For some reason my body just hates Shingrix I guess? I wonder if it's because I had the other, much less effective, shingles shot 5 years ago?
Who knows, but I'm dreading the second one. They're rather expensive as well, at least they were for me. The first was close to $100 and the second is even more expensive, or so I've heard.
Still, it's better than getting shingles. My uncle had them....it had to be 25 years ago, and he nearly went blind. He's dead now, but from old age, not from shingles. 
used a small dose of the live herpes virus as it's immunizing agent to get the body to produce antibodies. In later tests they found it was only around 30% effective.
That's when they came up with the Shingrix vaccine. My first shot was $97. I'm sure Medicare or my supplemental insurance covered at least some of that. Maybe
Like I said, getting Shingles isn't an alternative I'd want to explore, so I'd pay almost anything.
been wearing masks and taking every precaution, that even a cold virus would hit us hard.
I haven't had a cold or anything for almost two years now. I used to get two colds a year, almost like clockwork. If I got the flu, or even a common cold right now, I think I'd get sicker than a dog on Ivermectin. My immune system has only been exposed to whatever is in the vaccines I've taken I'm almost two years.
This mask wearing routine really works for cutting down on contracting diseases. I think I'll keep wearing them now, pandemic or no pandemic.
Doctors will tell you that the bad side effects are simply a result of your immune system kicking into high gear to fend off what it sees as an attempt by a virus to infect you.
I typically have no reaction other than a sore arm to shots, but my second Covid shot put me on the couch for a 6 hour nap the day after I had it. The booster I got earlier this week had no effect at all, not even a sore arm.
I'm not an anatomist, but it sounds like that pharmacist must have stuck the needle in way too high on the arm to be able to hit the shoulder capsule. It shouldn't be all that hard to avoid a repeat.
In any case, kudos to you for going ahead with the shot, despite your (well-justified) fears. Some people would just not go back for the second one, and that would be a shame. 
to you.
