From the Guidelines
It is recommended to wait at least 2 months after an episode of shingles before getting the Shingrix vaccine, as this allows the acute stage of the illness to resolve and minimizes the risk of recurrence. This recommendation is based on recent studies, including one published in 2024 in the Journal of Microbiology, Immunology and Infection 1, which suggests that the cumulative incidence of recurrence of herpes zoster (HZ) is high, with 2.5% of patients experiencing recurrence within 2 years.
The waiting period of at least 2 months is also supported by guidelines from various countries, including the US, where the recommended adult immunization schedule suggests administering the Shingrix vaccine at least 2 months after an episode of HZ or Zostavax vaccination 1. This timing allows the immune system to return to baseline before introducing the vaccine, maximizing its protective benefit.
Key points to consider when deciding on the timing of Shingrix vaccination after an episode of shingles include:
- The high rates of HZ recurrence after a prior episode of HZ, which makes vaccination an important preventive measure
- The need to wait until the acute stage of HZ has resolved and symptoms have abated before administering the vaccine
- The recommended minimum interval of 2 months between an episode of HZ and zoster vaccination, as documented in recent studies 1
- The importance of consulting with a healthcare provider for personalized advice based on individual health situations.
From the Research
Shingrix Immunisation After Shingles
- The studies do not provide a specific time frame for when to administer Shingrix immunisation after a person has had shingles 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults 50 years and older get two doses of Shingrix, 2 to 6 months apart, regardless of their history of shingles 5.
- It is essential to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice on when to receive the Shingrix vaccine after having shingles.
- The vaccine's effectiveness in preventing herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia has been demonstrated in various studies, with an efficacy of over 90% in clinical trials 3, 5.
- Real-world effectiveness studies have also shown that the vaccine is effective in preventing herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia, with a vaccine effectiveness of 70.1% and 56.9% for 2 and 1 doses, respectively 2.
Administration Guidelines
- The recommended interval between the two doses of Shingrix is 2 to 6 months 2, 5.
- If the second dose is delayed, it does not significantly impair the vaccine's effectiveness 2.
- The vaccine can be administered to individuals with autoimmune or immunosuppressive conditions, and it is preferred over a live attenuated HZ vaccine in immunocompetent individuals 3, 4.