From the Guidelines
The recommended interval between doses of Shingrix (recombinant zoster vaccine) is 2 to 6 months. The complete vaccination series consists of two doses, with the second dose administered 2 to 6 months after the first dose 1. If more than 6 months have elapsed since the first dose, you should still receive the second dose as soon as possible; there is no need to restart the series. Shingrix is administered as an intramuscular injection, typically in the upper arm (deltoid region). This two-dose schedule is important for achieving optimal protection against shingles (herpes zoster). The first dose primes the immune system, while the second dose strengthens and extends the protective immune response.
Some key points to consider:
- The CDC recommends vaccination against herpes zoster in immunocompetent adults 50 years or older, including patients who are dialysis dependent 1.
- For adults who are at risk and ≥18 years of age, a second dose can be given 1–2 months after the first dose if they will benefit from a shorter vaccination schedule 1.
- The RZV vaccine is given in 2 doses ≥2–6 months apart, and for patients who have previously received the live-attenuated zoster vaccine live (ZVL), RZV should be given at least 2 months after the last ZVL dose 1.
Overall, completing both doses of Shingrix provides approximately 90% effectiveness in preventing shingles across all age groups, with protection remaining high for at least 7 years after vaccination.
From the FDA Drug Label
In an open-label clinical study, 238 subjects aged 50 years and older received SHINGRIX on either a 0- and 2-month or 0- and 6-month schedule Non-inferiority of the 0- and 6-month schedule compared with the 0- and 2-month schedule based on anti-gE ELISA GMCs 1 month after the second dose was demonstrated.
The recommended interval between doses of Shingrix is 0 and 2 to 6 months. 2
From the Research
Shingrix Interval
The recommended interval between doses of Shingrix (recombinant zoster vaccine) is:
- 2 to 6 months after the first dose 3 Some studies have shown that administering the second dose beyond the recommended 6 months does not impair effectiveness 4
Key Findings
- A study found that 70% of people completed the two-dose series within six months post initial dose, and 80% completed it within 12 months 3
- Another study demonstrated that the vaccine effectiveness was not significantly lower for beneficiaries who received the second dose at ≥180 days 4
- The vaccine has been shown to be effective in various populations, including those with inflammatory arthritis 5 and immunocompromised individuals 6, 7