From the Guidelines
Yes, Gardasil (HPV vaccine) and Shingrix (shingles vaccine) can be safely administered at the same time, as there are no contraindications to giving these two vaccines simultaneously, and doing so does not diminish the effectiveness of either vaccine or increase the risk of adverse effects. When administering both vaccines at the same visit, they should be given at different injection sites, typically in separate limbs. This concurrent administration is convenient as it reduces the number of healthcare visits needed to complete vaccination schedules. Gardasil protects against human papillomavirus strains that can cause certain cancers and genital warts, while Shingrix prevents shingles (herpes zoster) in adults. The immune system is capable of responding to multiple vaccine antigens simultaneously, generating appropriate protective responses to each vaccine component independently. If you experience any side effects, they are typically mild and may include soreness at the injection sites, fatigue, or low-grade fever, which usually resolve within a few days. According to the most recent study 1, there is no evidence of decreased immunogenicity or safety concerns when administering Shingrix with nonadjuvanted IIV4, and most reactogenicity symptoms resolved within 4 days.
Some key points to consider when administering these vaccines concurrently include:
- Giving the vaccines at separate anatomical sites to minimize potential side effects
- Being aware of the potential for mild to moderate side effects, such as soreness at the injection sites, fatigue, or low-grade fever
- Understanding that the immune system can respond to multiple vaccine antigens simultaneously without diminished effectiveness
- Recognizing the convenience and potential increased compliance with vaccination schedules when administering multiple vaccines at the same visit.
It's also important to note that the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that injected live vaccines may be administered concomitantly with other injected live vaccines if indicated, and if vaccines are not administered concomitantly, the recommended minimum interval between 2 live, parenteral vaccines should be at least 4 weeks, as stated in 1. However, the specific combination of Gardasil and Shingrix has not been extensively studied, and the decision to administer them concurrently should be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the individual's medical history and current health status.
From the Research
Vaccine Administration
- The provided studies do not directly address the administration of Gardasil and Shingrix at the same time 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, the studies discuss the individual vaccines and their effectiveness in preventing certain diseases.
- Gardasil is a vaccine against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) 5, 6, while Shingrix is a vaccine against Herpes Zoster (shingles) 2, 3, 4.
Vaccine Effectiveness
- The effectiveness of Shingrix in preventing Herpes Zoster has been demonstrated in several studies, with a vaccine effectiveness of 70.1% for 2 doses and 56.9% for 1 dose 2.
- The effectiveness of Gardasil in preventing HPV infections and related diseases has also been demonstrated, with the vaccine preventing HPV infections and the onset of pre-cancerous lesions associated with genotypes contained within the vaccine 5.
Special Considerations
- Certain populations, such as immunocompromised patients, may require special consideration when administering vaccines 6.
- The safety and efficacy of Shingrix in immunocompromised populations have been demonstrated, but manufacturers and major societies have yet to update their recommendations 6.
- Gardasil can be used in men and women ages 9 to 45 years old regardless of immune status 6.