In May, I received the first of the two-part series of the new Shingrix vaccine. I’d had the old vaccine about six years ago. The CDC recommends anyone over age 50 get the new vaccine as it’s far more effective than the old vaccine.

At any rate, I received the second of the two-part series on Monday. I had been warned about side effects on the first vaccine but, outside of a sore arm, I had none, so I dismissed the warnings as being a bit extreme.

Yesterday, I did feel a little achy and tired in the morning, so I took Advil and laid around a bit. However, in the afternoon, I went to into town to help a friend with interviews. About one hour into the interviews, I felt terrible — so much so that I got up and left. I headed home and the 17-mile drive from Bristol to Mendota seemed like 100 miles. I could not wait to get into bed. I took two Advil, fell sound asleep and got up this morning feeling great.

I’m glad I received the vaccine. I have a high school friend that almost lost her vision in one eye because of shingles. She still travels to Duke University for continued care of her eyes. My mother had shingles, and I recall her talking about how painful it was. I do not want shingles.

And..the warnings? They are not extreme. If you take the vaccine and you work, take it on a Friday so that you have the weekend to “feel bad.”