From the Research
No, the Shingrix vaccine cannot cause shingles. Shingrix is a non-live, recombinant vaccine that contains only a protein from the varicella-zoster virus, not the virus itself. Since it doesn't contain any live virus, it's impossible for the vaccine to cause shingles. Shingrix works by stimulating your immune system to produce antibodies against the varicella-zoster virus, which helps protect you from developing shingles. Some people may experience side effects after vaccination, including pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site, muscle pain, fatigue, headache, shivering, fever, or upset stomach, but these are immune responses to the vaccine, not shingles. These side effects typically resolve within 2-3 days.
The vaccine's effectiveness has been demonstrated in several studies, including a cohort study among Medicare Part D community-dwelling beneficiaries aged >65 years, which found a vaccine effectiveness of 70.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 68.6-71.5) and 56.9% (95% CI, 55.0-58.8) for 2 and 1 doses, respectively 1. Shingrix is recommended for adults 50 years and older and is given as a two-dose series, with the second dose administered 2-6 months after the first dose to provide optimal protection against shingles. The vaccine has been shown to be effective in preventing herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia, with a significantly better efficacy compared to the live zoster vaccine (Zostavax) 2, 3.
Key points to consider when administering the Shingrix vaccine include:
- The vaccine is not contraindicated in immunocompromised individuals and is preferred over a live attenuated HZ vaccine in immunocompetent individuals 2
- The vaccine has been shown to be effective in patients with autoimmune or immunosuppressive conditions 1
- The vaccine's effectiveness is not significantly lower for beneficiaries aged >80 years, for second doses received at ≥180 days, or for individuals with autoimmune conditions 1
- The vaccine is well-tolerated, with most solicited adverse reactions being transient and mild to moderate in severity 2