From the Guidelines
Yes, a person can receive the shingles vaccine, Tdap, and PCV-20 at the same time, as inactivated vaccines like these can be administered concomitantly with or at any time before or after other inactivated vaccines or live vaccines protecting against a different disease. According to the most recent guidance, inactivated vaccines, including those for shingles (RZV), can be given concomitantly with pneumococcal vaccines (such as PCV-20) or tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis vaccines (Tdap) 1. This approach is supported by the principle that inactivated vaccines may be administered together or at any time relative to other inactivated or live vaccines for different diseases.
When administering multiple vaccines during the same visit, they are typically given at different injection sites to minimize local reactions. The immune system is capable of responding to multiple vaccines simultaneously without being overwhelmed. Some individuals might experience more pronounced side effects, such as fatigue, muscle aches, or low-grade fever, but these are usually mild and temporary. It's essential for individuals with specific health concerns or a history of severe vaccine reactions to discuss their vaccination plan with their healthcare provider, who can consider their individual health circumstances. Key points to consider include:
- The compatibility of inactivated vaccines for concurrent administration
- The recommendation to administer vaccines at different sites to reduce local reactions
- The potential for temporary side effects, which are generally mild
- The importance of consulting a healthcare provider for personalized advice, especially for those with specific health concerns or histories of severe reactions.
From the Research
Vaccine Co-administration
- The adjuvanted recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) can be co-administered with other adult vaccines, including the reduced-antigen-content diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis vaccine (Tdap) and pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) 2, 3.
- Studies have shown that co-administration of RZV with Tdap and PCV does not significantly alter the reactogenicity, immunogenicity, or safety of the vaccines 2, 3.
- The vaccine response rates to RZV were similar when co-administered with Tdap and PCV, ranging from 95.8-99.1% 2.
Specific Vaccine Combinations
- RZV can be co-administered with Tdap, as demonstrated in a randomized trial that showed no interference with the humoral immune response to RZV or Tdap 3.
- PCV-13 has been shown to be co-administered with RZV and Tdap, with similar immune responses and safety profiles 2.
- However, there is limited information on the co-administration of RZV, Tdap, and PCV-20 specifically.
General Guidance
- The Korean Society of Infectious Diseases recommends co-administration of vaccines to improve vaccination coverage, but does not provide specific guidance on the combination of RZV, Tdap, and PCV-20 4.
- A study on vaccine uptake in the US adult population found that multiple characteristics, including socio-demographics and healthcare utilization, were associated with higher vaccination rates, but did not address specific vaccine combinations 5.
- Another study on the immunogenicity and safety of a combination vaccine found that co-administration of vaccines can be associated with higher rates of adverse events, but did not address the specific combination of RZV, Tdap, and PCV-20 6.