From the Guidelines
Shingrix (zoster vaccine recombinant) is recommended for adults aged 50 years and older. The vaccine is administered as a two-dose series, with the second dose given 2-6 months after the first dose 1.
Key Points
- Shingrix can be given regardless of prior history of herpes zoster (shingles) or prior receipt of Zostavax (the older shingles vaccine) 1.
- It is also recommended for those who previously received Zostavax, with Shingrix administration at least 8 weeks after Zostavax.
- The vaccine works by boosting the immune system's response to the varicella-zoster virus, which causes both chickenpox and shingles.
- Shingrix is highly effective, providing over 90% protection against shingles in adults across all age groups 1.
Side Effects
- Common side effects include pain and swelling at the injection site, muscle pain, fatigue, and headache, which typically resolve within 2-3 days.
- The vaccine has been shown to have a significantly higher rate of injection-site and systemic reactions compared to Zostavax, but no differences in serious adverse events (SAEs) between the two vaccines 1.
Recommendations
- The CDC recommends that healthy adults 50 years and older receive two doses of Shingrix, 2 to 6 months apart 1.
- Immunocompetent adults, aged 50 years, may receive either ZVL or RZV to prevent HZ and PHN, with a preference for RZV 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
SHINGRIX is a vaccine indicated for prevention of herpes zoster (HZ) (shingles): • in adults aged 50 years and older. • in adults aged 18 years and older who are or will be at increased risk of HZ due to immunodeficiency or immunosuppression caused by known disease or therapy
Eligible individuals for the Shingrix vaccine include:
- Adults aged 50 years and older
- Adults aged 18 years and older who are or will be at increased risk of HZ due to immunodeficiency or immunosuppression caused by known disease or therapy 2
From the Research
Eligibility for Shingrix Vaccine
The Shingrix vaccine is recommended for adults aged 50 years and older [ 3, 4,5 ].
- The vaccine is dispensed as 2 doses given 2-6 months apart 3.
- It is also effective among individuals with autoimmune or immunosuppressive conditions 3, 4.
Special Considerations
- The vaccine effectiveness was not significantly lower for beneficiaries aged >80 years, or for second doses received at ≥180 days 3.
- Two-dose vaccine effectiveness against postherpetic neuralgia was 76.0% 3.
- Shingrix is a nonreplicating vaccine and is thus safe in immunocompromised persons 4.