What is the recommended vaccination schedule for Shingrix (zoster vaccine recombinant)?

From the Guidelines

The recommended vaccination schedule for Shingrix (zoster vaccine recombinant) is 2 doses, 2 to 6 months apart, for immunocompetent adults 50 years or older, as recommended by the CDC 1. The Shingrix vaccine is a recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) that provides over 90% protection against shingles across all age groups, with protection remaining high for at least four years after vaccination.

• Key points to consider:
  • The vaccine is given as an intramuscular injection, typically in the upper arm (deltoid muscle)
  • Side effects may include pain at the injection site, muscle pain, fatigue, headache, shivering, fever, and stomach pain, which typically resolve within 2-3 days
  • Shingrix is recommended for adults aged 50 years and older, including those who have previously received Zostavax (the older shingles vaccine) or have had shingles in the past
  • The CDC recommends Shingrix as the preferred vaccine over ZVL (zoster vaccine live), which is a live vaccine 1 The two-dose schedule is important because it helps establish the strong immune response needed for long-term protection against the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus that causes shingles.
• It is essential to complete the two-dose series, even if more than 6 months have elapsed since the first dose, to ensure optimal protection against shingles. Both doses are necessary for optimal protection, and the series should be completed to provide long-term protection against shingles.

From the Research

Vaccination Schedule for Shingrix

The recommended vaccination schedule for Shingrix (zoster vaccine recombinant) is as follows:

• The vaccine is administered in two doses, with the second dose recommended between two and six months after the first dose 2
• Alternatively, the recommended schedule for the RZV is two doses two months apart 3

Key Considerations

• Completing the 2-dose regimen is beneficial, and second doses administered beyond the recommended 6 months do not impair effectiveness 4
• The vaccine is effective in preventing herpes zoster in adults 50 years of age and older, with an efficacy of over 90% 3, 5, 6
• The most common local adverse events are injection site pain, redness, and swelling, and the most common systemic adverse events are myalgia, fatigue, and headache 5, 6

Special Populations

• The vaccine is also effective among individuals with autoimmune or immunosuppressive conditions 4
• The vaccine is effective in preventing postherpetic neuralgia, with a vaccine effectiveness of 76.0% 4