From the Guidelines
Yes, Gardasil, Shingrix, and Tdap can generally be administered at the same time, as they work through different mechanisms and target different diseases, and there is no significant evidence to suggest that they interfere with each other's effectiveness 1.
Key Considerations
When administering multiple vaccines simultaneously, it is essential to consider the following:
- Vaccines should be administered at different injection sites on the body to minimize potential side effects and ensure optimal immune response.
- Some people may experience more pronounced side effects when receiving multiple vaccines at once, such as soreness at injection sites, mild fever, or fatigue, but these are typically temporary and manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers if needed.
- If you have specific health concerns or a history of severe vaccine reactions, it's always best to discuss your individual situation with your healthcare provider before receiving multiple vaccines simultaneously.
Evidence Summary
Studies have shown that co-administration of vaccines, including those with nonaluminum adjuvants like Shingrix, is generally safe and effective 1. However, data on the simultaneous administration of two or more vaccines containing nonaluminum adjuvants is limited, and the ideal interval between such vaccines when given sequentially is not known.
Administration Guidelines
- Vaccines with nonaluminum adjuvants, such as Shingrix, should be administered at separate anatomic sites from other vaccines that are given concomitantly 1.
- Influenza vaccination should not be delayed if a specific vaccine is not available, and selection of a nonadjuvanted influenza vaccine may be considered in situations where influenza vaccine and another vaccine containing a nonaluminum adjuvant are to be administered concomitantly 1.
From the Research
Vaccine Administration
- The administration of multiple vaccines at the same time is a common practice, but the safety and efficacy of co-administering specific vaccines, such as Gardasil, Shingrix, and Tdap, need to be considered.
- A study published in 2011 2 found that co-administering the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine with other routine vaccines, such as Tdap, did not interfere with the immune response to any of the vaccines and had an acceptable safety profile.
Gardasil and Shingrix
- Gardasil is a vaccine against human papillomavirus (HPV), while Shingrix is a vaccine against herpes zoster.
- A study published in 2021 3 found that the recombinant zoster vaccine (Shingrix) was effective in preventing herpes zoster in adults aged 50 years and older.
- However, there is limited information available on the co-administration of Gardasil and Shingrix.
Tdap Vaccine
- Tdap is a vaccine against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.
- A study published in 2015 4 found that Tdap vaccination coverage among adults in the United States was low, highlighting the need for increased vaccination efforts.
- The safety and efficacy of co-administering Tdap with other vaccines, such as Gardasil and Shingrix, need to be considered.
Vaccine Interactions
- A study published in 2025 5 found that vaccines for preventing infections in adults with solid tumors, including herpes zoster and influenza vaccines, were effective in reducing the incidence of these infections.
- However, the study also found that the evidence for vaccine interactions was limited, and further research is needed to fully understand the safety and efficacy of co-administering multiple vaccines.
- Another study published in 2025 6 found that herpes zoster vaccines may reduce the risk of herpes zoster in adults with haematological malignancies, but the certainty of the evidence is low, and further research is needed to fully understand the safety and efficacy of these vaccines.