From the Guidelines
You should wait at least 2 months after having shingles to get the Shingrix vaccine, as this allows for the acute stage of the illness to resolve and minimizes the risk of interference with the vaccine's efficacy. According to the most recent study 1, a minimal interval of 2 months between an episode of shingles and zoster vaccination is recommended, based on the documented minimal interval between an episode of shingles and recurrence of 2 months. This recommendation is also supported by the fact that the risk of shingles recurrence exists, and the vaccine significantly reduces this risk by boosting the immune response to the varicella-zoster virus that causes both chickenpox and shingles.
Some key points to consider when deciding on the timing of Shingrix vaccination after shingles include:
- The acute stage of shingles should have resolved before vaccination, which typically takes 2-4 weeks, but the exact timing may vary depending on the individual case.
- There is no maximum time limit after having shingles to get vaccinated, so even if it has been months or years since the shingles episode, the individual can still benefit from vaccination.
- Shingrix is administered as a two-dose series, with the second dose given 2-6 months after the first dose, and is recommended for adults 50 years and older, including those who have previously had shingles.
- The vaccine is important for preventing future outbreaks, as past infection does not provide lifelong immunity against future outbreaks, as shown in a study with an average 5.6 years of follow-up, where the cumulative incidence of recurrence at 2,4,6,8, and 10 years was 2.5%, 4.8%, 6.6%, 8.0%, and 10.3%, respectively 1.
It's also worth noting that the recommended adult immunization schedule, as outlined in a 2020 study 1, suggests that the Shingrix vaccine can be administered regardless of previous herpes zoster or history of Zostavax vaccination, with a recommended interval of at least 2 months after Zostavax vaccination. However, the most recent study 1 provides more specific guidance on the timing of vaccination after shingles, and its recommendations should be prioritized.
From the Research
Waiting Period for Shingrix Vaccine After Having Shingles
- There is no specific waiting period mentioned in the provided studies for getting the Shingrix vaccine after having shingles (herpes zoster) 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The studies focus on the effectiveness and safety of the Shingrix vaccine, as well as its administration and potential side effects, but do not provide guidance on the waiting period after a shingles episode.
- However, it is generally recommended to wait until the shingles rash has cleared up before getting vaccinated, as the vaccine is not a treatment for active shingles, but rather a preventative measure against future episodes.
General Guidance on Shingrix Vaccine Administration
- The Shingrix vaccine is typically administered in two doses, 2-6 months apart, to adults aged 50 years and older 2, 6.
- The vaccine has been shown to be effective in preventing herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia, with a vaccine effectiveness of 70.1% and 56.9% for 2 and 1 doses, respectively 2.
- The vaccine can be administered to individuals with autoimmune or immunosuppressive conditions, and its effectiveness is not significantly lower in these populations 2, 5.