From the Research
Yes, a second dose of Shingrix will still be effective if given more than one year after the first dose. The recommended schedule for Shingrix (recombinant zoster vaccine) is two doses separated by 2 to 6 months, but if more time has elapsed, you should still receive the second dose rather than restarting the series. There is no maximum interval between doses, and you don't need to restart the vaccination series. The immune system still maintains memory from the first dose, even after a longer interval, and the second dose will effectively boost this initial response to provide the full protection against shingles. This flexibility is built into many vaccine recommendations because completing the series, even with a delay, is more important than adhering strictly to the ideal timing. If you're due for your second Shingrix dose and it's been over a year, simply schedule your appointment as soon as possible to complete your vaccination series and obtain full protection against shingles.
Key Points to Consider
- The effectiveness of the second dose of Shingrix is not significantly impaired by a delay beyond the recommended 6 months, as shown in a study published in 2021 1.
- Completing the two-dose series, even with a delay, is crucial for achieving full protection against shingles.
- The immune system maintains memory from the first dose, allowing the second dose to effectively boost the initial response and provide protection against shingles.
- There is no maximum interval between doses, and restarting the vaccination series is not necessary.
Evidence Supporting the Recommendation
- A study published in 2021 found that the two-dose vaccine effectiveness of Shingrix was not significantly lower for beneficiaries who received the second dose at ≥180 days after the first dose 1.
- Another study published in 2023 found that the recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) is probably effective in preventing shingles disease for at least three years, with a recommended schedule of two doses two months apart 2.
- A study published in 2022 found that second-dose RZV series completion was ∼70% within 6-months and 80% within 12-months of first dose, highlighting the importance of completing the series even with a delay 3.