I have gnarly health anxiety, but thanks to this sub I finally got my shingles vax! So are we doing the pneumonia one, too?

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Over-Direction9448@reddit

My wife never got Covid even w me sitting and sleeping next to her hacking and coughing for a month in 2020. And she passes for being in her 30s even tho she’s 4 yrs older than me at 57.

Watching her tough out shingles made me not only get the two injections of vax but I have the dates stored in my phone to re up when recommended

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sassystew@reddit (OP)

I’ve never had Covid (the virus, I have had the vax), but is there a shot I can get to make me look 30 years younger than my age like your wife? A 60+ year old being mistaken for 30 is wild!

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Over-Direction9448@reddit

No She’s 57 I’m 53 Trust me she looks good

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sassystew@reddit (OP)

That's almost 30 years younger than her age. SPILL THE SECRETS! lol

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Over-Direction9448@reddit

Genes No bad habits Positive attitude Compassion Regular sex

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sassystew@reddit (OP)

Why do men have to make everything about sex. JFC I give up.

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I got the flu, the shingles vaccines, MMR, and I have an appointment for the first pneumonia vaxx. Is there a new COVID shot? I'll get that too. I'm prodding parents and brother to get these vaccines; they have health issues, so their doctors are helping them get them, but don't want them to get all of them. Just keeping up with all of these vaccines is a chore, but I do it for myself, and my vulnerable family and friends.

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temerairevm@reddit

The pneumonia one is nothing! Piece of cake. I forgot about it 5 minutes later. Shingles is a tough one for most people because that virus is in us so you’re going to react.

If you don’t normally react to stuff like flu shots it probably won’t be a big deal.

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sassystew@reddit (OP)

Thanks! I’m getting over a virus, so I suspect I’ll do it next week. Appreciate it!

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Awake-Now@reddit

I just got my first shingles vaccine (and my second Hep C vaccine) over lunch. Doing fine so far, but it’s only been 90 minutes…

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Invisible_Xer@reddit

My Kaiser doc said 65+ for the pneumonia vax, I was bummed.

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sassystew@reddit (OP)

Really? Maybe it’s a different one?

CDC recommends pneumococcal vaccination for children younger than 5 years and adults 50 years or older. 🤷🏼‍♀️

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Invisible_Xer@reddit

That’s what I thought too. Maybe I’ll ask a different doctor.

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sassystew@reddit (OP)

Also, I read 65 in a few spots online too. I mean 15 years is a bratty significant difference. WTF docs?! lol

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sassystew@reddit (OP)

I think there might be two different kinds of the vax. I need to do a little more checking before I get it, but I will do do it. I’m getting over being sick - so once I’m better it’s time for my second shingles and this one. 😬

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onions-make-me-cry@reddit

I did the pneumonia one because I had a rare type of lung cancer so I had to get a lobectomy. I guess it was part of me taking care of my remaining lung tissue.

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fitbit10k@reddit

II’m gonna get the pneumonia one too. I’m curious to see what others think. I hope it doesn’t fuck you up the same way the shingles shot does 🥴

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boiseshan@reddit

I had zero side effects from the pneumococcal shot. My arm wasn't even sore the next day.

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orange728@reddit

My mom had zero side effects. My arm swelled up the size of a baseball for a week. I am glad I got it though. I have had breathing problems.my while.lifr, so helping to eliminate one is a good thing for me

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sassystew@reddit (OP)

Exactly! I’m hoping we get some folks to share how it was.

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oldasshit@reddit

I had a sore arm for a day or two. That's it.

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Brave-Perception5851@reddit

Yeah. I had shingles and then I got vaccinated. Getting 2 shots was a picnic compared to shingles which literally felt like my skin was sliced open for two weeks. Weird and terribly painful.

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Coffeeyespleeez@reddit

Ditto - the P A I N nononono

I’m getting the pneumonia vax

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oldasshit@reddit

Yeah, both my parents have had shingles. I want no part of that rodeo. Looks awful.

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frank_the_tanq@reddit

Same. A day maybe.

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hazeldazeI@reddit

Val Kilmer died from pneumonia so I’d get it.

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TheOriginalTarlin@reddit

No that what they want you to think!

Two faced did him in...... he's Batman!

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toast4pugs@reddit

I had it about a month ago. Just a sore arm. The first Shingles vaccine made me very ill.

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sassystew@reddit (OP)

I only had a very sore arm with the first shingles shot, but my sister felt moderately crappy for a day.

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CeeUNTy@reddit

I got 4 shots on the same day. COVID, flu, pneumonia and first shingles. I wasn't very sore but I was really tired for a few days. Getting TDAP and hepatitis shots on the same day was worse.

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Potential-Amoeba1902@reddit

Love it!!

I usually get everything I can together on a Friday afternoon, and then use the shots as an excuse to lounge around and snack through Saturday 😁

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fitbit10k@reddit

Omg! I was laid out for a day for every Covid shot and shingles shot. Idk how you did all of the shots at once!

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VegetableRound2819@reddit

My pharmacist said something about doing multiple shots all at once, or waiting 2+ weeks. strange.

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imaskising@reddit

I had a little arm soreness the next day, but otherwise nothing. I had far worse reactions to the shingles and COVID shots. I've had asthma most of my life and that makes me high risk of developing complications with pneumonia; in fact back in my early 30s, I got to spend a few days in the hospital and miss two weeks of work, after a bad case of flu morphed into pneumonia. I also had two grandparents die from pneumonia. I got the shot as soon as the doc told me I was eligible. Pneumonia is not something to fuck around with, and my doc says that even if I do develop pneumonia in the future, the vaccine should prevent me from having a severe case.

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fitbit10k@reddit

Thanks for sharing your experience! My grandmother died from pneumonia so I’m definitely going to get the shot. The Covid and shingle shots put me out but it wasn’t going to stop me from getting them. I just want to be prepared for the pneumonia vaccine. Like after the first Covid and shingle shots, I knew I wasn’t going to feel good after a few hours.

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Consistent-Sky3723@reddit

My arm turned red from the shoulder to my elbow. It was a giant, hot, red sausage arm. That was the first. Dr said second wouldn’t be as bad. OMFG it was WORSE! I only went through with it because the day before my elderly mother got shingles in her head and was in pure misery.

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SimpleVegetable5715@reddit

Yes get the pneumonia one too. It made me a little short of breath for a few days, but I've had full blown double pneumonia twice before.

Pneumonia is a thing where sometimes it takes you a year or two to feel fully back to normal, even after the initial illness has passed. It can also leave you with permanent lung and heart damage. We usually take our lungs for granted, but you need to breathe more than you need food, water, or sleep. Not being able to breathe really gave me a sense of impending doom like I've never felt before. It was the closest I've ever felt to death.

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subibrat85@reddit

Didn't get pneumonia shot, ended up getting pre pneumonia and it sucked ass! Doc was seriously considering hospitializing me. Did get shingles Vax tho.

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Typical-Toe4521@reddit

Yes I got pneumonia vax too.

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nautical1776@reddit

I’m scared to get the Shingles shot because people say side effects are miserable ☹️

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sassystew@reddit (OP)

I was that person last month. So scared. It was such a nothing that I am already scheduled for the next one, and I’m not anxious about it at all.

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Justdonedil@reddit

I got my first pneumonia vaccine in my 40s because I have asthma. I've now received the newer one as well.

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psykocheffy@reddit

Give me all the shots and a camera up the bum... I wanna live!!!!

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CarisaDaGal@reddit

I have crazy crazy health anxiety too. It’s gotten so much worse over the last few years. Good for you for getting your vaccines

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EnvironmentalBike198@reddit

Do it. I only had a sore arm and that was it. Super grateful to have it done.

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Strong_Mulberry789@reddit

I've been having recurrent shingles but in my country (NZ) you cannot get the vaccine funded, unless you're over 65 or diagnosed with a severe immune system disease. So I guess I have to suffer with shingles for 15 years because I can't afford to pay for it myself on a limited income. Ironically before I started getting recurrent episodes I had asked for the vaccine because I have had shingles previously and was told no. It would have saved me extended periods of incapacity and illness on top of chronic ill health.

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drusilla14@reddit

That’s terrible. So sorry you are going through that. Thought NZ healthcare is better than that.

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Strong_Mulberry789@reddit

NZ Healthcare is currently in severe crisis and the current government is pushing for privatisation by tanking public health care and defending services that support those who are disabled or chronically ill - It's a mess.

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edwardJ1972@reddit

I almost died from pneumonia last year. Get it.

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jyar1811@reddit

No problem with the pneumonia shot. It boost your immunity against all respiratory viruses that includes Covid and the flu.

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Pooks23@reddit

It's like $160 here in BC, and that's with insurance!! So, I noped out on principle. I got both of my shingles shots, and the second one hit me harder, but only for a day.

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SnowblindAlbino@reddit

Mine was free in the US, but that's true for most vaccinations if you have private insurance.

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simplylisa@reddit

I saw my PCP yesterday and asked for anything I was missing, before rfk makes them illegal

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Pooks23@reddit

There’s the basic insurance/ medical card, and then there’s basic with supplemental. You’d think having more insurance would help… I did my shingles vax in the US, for free. Shingrix is not covered in Canada, so out of pocket too. I think each shot was also $160. Lame

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sassystew@reddit (OP)

Shit. I just assumed it would be covered (and free). I’ll call the pharmacy. Thanks for the head’s up!

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Competitive-Bee7249@reddit

Mine cost me a surprising five hundred dollars with insurance. I had to pay or else. Also horribly sick for a week. Never going back or getting another Vax ever. No one said a word about it costing me a buck. I have insurance and since then it's went down hill. Everything is out of network or denied now or I have to pay. I pay for insurance I can't use. Wellmark BCBS is junk.

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Pooks23@reddit

I’m in Canada…

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sassystew@reddit (OP)

I saw BC, and tbh I thought you’d have it much better than us Americans.

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Pooks23@reddit

The healthcare here is failing... I've been here over 4 years, and still don't have a doctor. So much shit out of pocket here. I gave up my US insurance, but will be looking into getting it again (as I still have permanent address in US).

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drusilla14@reddit

Yes, got the pneumonia shot several weeks ago. Felt that a bit more than the flu shot though.

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zoot_boy@reddit

Jesus, got the second one yesterday and it was a mother.

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sassystew@reddit (OP)

Oh no. Sore arm? I’m totally fine with that - I just don’t want to get sick. 🤒

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zoot_boy@reddit

Mad chills, sweats, aching. It low key sucked. Sore neck today and yea, arm is still sore.

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LarryLeo777@reddit

Am 50. Had Shingrix and pneumonia vax on same day and felt like I had a bad flu - or had been in a serious car wreck - for about 36 hours. The second Shingrix, given alone, was about a third as bad as the initial combo.

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frank_the_tanq@reddit

Damn straight I did

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RMW91-@reddit

Yes I did Shingrex last year and I’m scheduled for pneumonia and Hep B next month! Colonoscopy too 😅

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chickenfightyourmom@reddit

I got my pneumococcal shot a couple weeks ago. Ngl, my arm was sore, and I was pretty tired for a few days. Shingles vax didn't do much to me, but pneumonia took me out. Still 100% worth it.

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purl2together@reddit

I was offered the pneumonia vax last year (55 at the time) and was surprised, but said “sure.” Arm hurt a bit the next day, but no other issues.

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Southernms@reddit

Same here. My arm was hot and heavy. I’ve had pneumonia—it’s worse.

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Southernms@reddit

Yes! 50 plus needs the pneumonia.

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editorgrrl@reddit

If possible, get the second Shingrix (shingles vaccine) shot on Friday (or whenever you’ll have a couple of days off). Clean the house, meal prep, wash your hair, then get set to binge your favorite media.

All I had was a lump around the injection site. I had no reaction to Prevnar 20 (pneumococcal vaccine), which I got at the same time (but in the other arm) as a Covid booster.

https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/vaccines/index.html

https://www.cdc.gov/pneumococcal/vaccines/index.html

https://www.cdc.gov/covid/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html

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sassystew@reddit (OP)

I like this plan!!

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ManicFruitbat@reddit

Give me all the vaxxes !!

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lskerlkse@reddit

I did the pneumonia, shingles, and covid at once a few weeks ago. no big deal. I'll take any vaccine I can get

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Potential-Amoeba1902@reddit

Way to go!!!!!!

Also congrats on this!
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/apr/02/study-finds-strongest-evidence-yet-that-shingles-vaccine-helps-cut-dementia-risk

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labboy70@reddit

Yes. Get the pneumonia vaccine. It was not a big deal for me.

I got it at 52 before I got chemotherapy.

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VegetableRound2819@reddit

Yes.

Looks like my PCP gave it to me. Big nothingburger. Don’t even remember it.

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Step_away_tomorrow@reddit

I had a sore arm for almost a week with the shingles vax. Totally worth it tho and I have needle anxiety. I made myself. So glad. Does anyone know how often we need the pneumonia vaccine?

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DMonkeyMind@reddit

This sub motivated me to get all the vaccines I could. I got the flu this year (I was pre vaccinated) it was HORRIBLE... I fully believe I would have been admitted and/or died without it. I am due for the 2nd shingles shot Friday before Easter. Should give me the long weekend to deal with reactions if any. Next week is boosters of everything.

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MountainGal72@reddit

I’m no longer eligible for pneumonia vax because I quit smoking in ‘23!

It’ll be right back into my rotation in 13 years 😉

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MallUpstairs2886@reddit

Did shingles 2 years ago and pneumonia this past fall. Getting old…

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SnowblindAlbino@reddit

Yep, I got the pneumonia vax along with my second shingles vax in January. Pharmacist said they had lower the age to 50 and it was fine to do both at once. Glad to have it. We just lost Val Kilmer to pneumonia, and many people I know my age have gotten it in recent winters.

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sassystew@reddit (OP)

Shit. You’re right. I know he was ill, but jesus that’s so horrific.

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Substantial-Spare501@reddit

I got the pneumonia and measles booster a few weeks ago. I felt bad for about 48 hours and that was it.

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sfdsquid@reddit

Yes.

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Accomplished2424@reddit

I got my pneumonia shot last week but didn't have any problems. And the shingles shots were the same. I would rather have a little discomfort for a day or 2 than take a chance of getting it at my age! 59f.

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H1landr@reddit

Yes

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mjh8212@reddit

I’m not old enough for the shingles one but I’ve gotten the pneumonia one twice now. I have health issues I’m not immunocompromised but I don’t have the strongest immune system. I’ve had no side effects from it.

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secret_someones@reddit

Any vax i am offered i take.

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GlitteringAgent4061@reddit

Same

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NotoriousScot@reddit

Thank you for the reminder!

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GlitteringAgent4061@reddit

Yes, please get the pneumonia shot every time you're eligible. Every single time.

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Ok_Initial_2063@reddit

I had slight chills and felt run down for a day with the pneumonia shot. It wasn't terrible. Get it!

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KerouacsGirlfriend@reddit

No side effects from pneumonia for me. My shingles shots didn’t mess me up either.

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Nervous-Rooster7760@reddit

The first shingles vaccine was the worst reaction I have ever had to one. Not regretting it but it had me down for two days. Second dose was fine.

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Beaverhausen27@reddit

Could you describe the reaction? I just had shingles at 48 and that was really awful. I want to get the shot at 50 when I qualify but I’d like to know what to expect.

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Nervous-Rooster7760@reddit

For me it felt like I was coming down with the flu. Achy, tired and chills. I did not have a fever but felt feverish. It was odd as I normally do not have a reaction to vaccines. It was about 2 days of feeling bad and then I was fine. Second shot was just a sore arm for a couple days. I would still get shot as I absolutely don’t want to get shingles and others had told me you could feel bad after the shot.

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hibou-ou-chouette@reddit

The first was worse than the second one for me as well.

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advancedbullshit@reddit

I had immediate, weird injection site pain I'd never had before. Felt like the needle was still in my arm when I moved. But the injector didn't do the pinch thing with my skin when injecting, so maybe that's why. Didn't last long. No other side effects. Shingles and Covid shots gave me flu-like symptoms after.

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Francl27@reddit

I got the pneumonia one a couple of years ago, but I have asthma. Will probably ask for it again, I have no idea how it works.

Shingles is gonna have to happen but I think I'm too young for it.

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sassystew@reddit (OP)

I think it’s 50 for both. My PCP suggested I get them.

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Good_With_Tools@reddit

And measles, now. I can't believe we brought back a nearly irradicated disease.

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sassystew@reddit (OP)

Yeah, this has me floored. Like WTFFFFFF? Also is it because we’re so old the vaccine we got as babies wore off? 😂

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beansoupscratch@reddit

I did the penumonia and second shingles together. I don't recommend getting them both at the same time.

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sassystew@reddit (OP)

Ok, thank you! (I need the second shingles soon)

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2_Bagel_Dog@reddit

Way to go! This sub pushed me to get it too. 💉

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emccm@reddit

I don’t know what everyone else is doing, but I’m gettin every single vaccine I can while I still can.

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Fuzzy-Support-2361@reddit

I was allowed to get the pneumonia vax fairly young because I had a terrible case in my 20s. I also got the expanded version a few years ago. Trust me, the shot has nothing on getting pneumonia. I had a fever of 104 and couldn't do anything but stare at the ceiling for a week (seriously, even using the remote was beyond my capacity). I was also horking up gunk for 5 months after. Get the shot.

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Junior_Statement_262@reddit

Probably won't get the pneumonia shot. I got both Shingles shots and the first one knocked me HARD on my ass for 30 hours. It was so wack....I never want to feel like that again.

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sand-castle-virtues@reddit

Yes. Never had a reaction to flu shot.

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oldasshit@reddit

I got shingles (first shot) and pneumonia on the same day. Still need my second shingles and a measles shot.

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nygrl811@reddit

I had to get a second MMR jab for my new job. Fortunately that one was a slightly sore arm and nothing else.

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boiseshan@reddit

Got my pneumococcal last week AND another MMR. Apparently a lot of us only got one dose of MMR back in the day. New research indicates we should be looking at getting another MMR -- especially in th elight of today's health risks.

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Enterprise-wide@reddit

Got the pneumonia shot in March. My arm was sore at the site for a few hours and that was that. Nothing compared to the Shingles Shot. I didn’t ask for it, but my Dr. ordered it and I didn’t object.

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5childrenandit@reddit

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/apr/02/study-finds-strongest-evidence-yet-that-shingles-vaccine-helps-cut-dementia-risk

Interesting findings that it seems to cut dementia risk

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ZweitenMal@reddit

I got the updated flu, COVID, shingles, and pneumo shots in September. I’ll take all I can get!

Super excited to see new evidence that the shingles vax appears to be protective against dementia! We’re slowly unraveling new info about the long-term effects of viral infections—this is a new effect they weren’t looking for but popped up in a review of long-term follow-up data.

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JosieZee@reddit

I just had my second shingles, RSV and pneumonia shots. Shingles was much worse than the pneumonia and RSV. I have asthma, so my doctor recommended these vaccines. Good luck!!

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Yisevery1nuts@reddit

I had zero effects from the pneumonia vaccine. I got the one that covers 23 strains (or 20-something). Not even a sore arm!

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brookish@reddit

Got pneumonia shot in March and glad I did! I now have the flu (I got the shot but must have gotten the other strain going around this year) and I am not interested in pneumonia at all. I’m basically begging for any vaccine that will keep me from getting extremely ill in this economy!

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whiskeybridge@reddit

wife and i got the pneumonia shot a few weeks ago. much milder than shingles (which wasn't bad except for site soreness).

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sassystew@reddit (OP)

Thank you!

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Providence451@reddit

Val Kilmer just died of pneumonia. Get it.

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Competitive-Bee7249@reddit

Cancer.

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Nervous-Rooster7760@reddit

He also had a ton of other issues.

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LoveLaughterPizza@reddit

Way to go! That's what courage is, it's not absence of fear but overcoming it. My Doc advised me to get the pneumonia jab, so I did. Again, well done!

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sassystew@reddit (OP)

Thank you. It’s was you guys! Also I’m not antivax or anything lol - just a scaredy cat!

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LoveLaughterPizza@reddit

I understand, I was a bit nervous about the Shingles vax side effects but I kept reminding myself what a horrible experience it is to get shingles. You overcame your fear and you took action, that's being courageous.

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sassystew@reddit (OP)

I was a paramedic who saw some pretty awful, traumatic shit. Basically the worst of the worst. It finally caught up with me in the form of anxiety around health stuff, aging and mortality. I mean being afraid of a vaccine is ridiculous. Fml 😂

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