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. Limitations of Use (1): • SHINGRIX is not indicated for prevention of primary varicella infection (chickenpox).
- Key Indication: Shingrix is indicated for the prevention of herpes zoster (shingles).
- Limitation of Use: Shingrix is not indicated for prevention of primary varicella infection (chickenpox). Shingrix does not provide protection against Varicella 1.
From the Research
No, Shingrix does not provide protection against Varicella (chickenpox). Shingrix is a vaccine specifically designed to prevent shingles (herpes zoster) and its complications in adults aged 50 and older. It works by boosting immunity against the varicella-zoster virus that already exists in your body from a previous chickenpox infection or vaccination.
Key Points
- For protection against chickenpox itself, a different vaccine called Varivax is used, typically given to children.
- The distinction exists because chickenpox is the initial infection with the varicella-zoster virus, while shingles is a reactivation of the dormant virus that has remained in nerve tissues after a person recovers from chickenpox.
- If you're concerned about chickenpox protection, especially for children or unvaccinated adults who have never had chickenpox, you should discuss the Varivax vaccine with your healthcare provider instead of Shingrix.
Evidence
The most recent and highest quality study on this topic is from 2, which discusses the immune responses to varicella-zoster virus vaccines and highlights the importance of distinguishing between vaccines for primary infection (chickenpox) and reactivation (shingles).
Clinical Implications
In clinical practice, it's crucial to understand the differences between these vaccines to provide appropriate protection against varicella-zoster virus infections. Shingrix has been shown to be highly effective in preventing herpes zoster and its complications in adults aged 50 and older, as demonstrated in studies such as 3 and 4. However, its use is specifically indicated for the prevention of shingles, not chickenpox.
Recommendations
Shingrix should not be used as a substitute for Varivax in individuals who require protection against primary varicella-zoster virus infection. Instead, healthcare providers should recommend Varivax for children and unvaccinated adults who have never had chickenpox, and Shingrix for adults aged 50 and older who are at risk for shingles. This approach is supported by guidelines and recommendations from reputable sources, including 5 and 6.