From the Guidelines
The second dose of the shingles vaccine (Shingrix) should be administered 2 to 6 months after the first dose, with a minimum interval of 4 weeks, as recommended by the 2020 adult immunization schedule 1. This timing is crucial to ensure optimal protection against shingles, and it is essential to follow the recommended schedule to achieve the highest efficacy.
- Key points to consider:
- The minimum interval between doses is 4 weeks, and if the second dose is administered too soon, it should be repeated 1.
- The preferred interval between doses is 2-6 months, and this timing is recommended for adults 50 years and older, including those who previously received the older Zostavax vaccine 1.
- Completing both doses is crucial, as the two-dose regimen provides about 90% effectiveness in preventing shingles, with protection lasting at least 7 years.
- It is also important to note that Shingrix is preferred over Zostavax for adults 60 years and older, and it should be administered at least 2 months after Zostavax if the patient has previously received Zostavax 1.
- Overall, following the recommended timing for the second dose of Shingrix is essential to ensure optimal protection against shingles and to minimize the risk of complications.
From the Research
Timing of Shingles Vaccine #2
- The recommended timing for the second dose of the shingles vaccine is 2-6 months after the first dose, as stated in the study 2.
- However, the study 2 also found that second doses administered beyond the recommended 6 months did not impair effectiveness.
- The vaccine effectiveness was found to be 70.1% for 2 doses and 56.9% for 1 dose, with the 2-dose vaccine effectiveness not being significantly lower for beneficiaries aged >80 years or for individuals with autoimmune conditions 2.
- Other studies, such as 3, 4, 5, and 6, discuss the effectiveness and safety of the shingles vaccine, but do not specifically address the timing of the second dose.
- It is worth noting that the studies 3, 4, 5, and 6 provide information on the vaccine's efficacy, safety, and recommendations for use, but do not offer specific guidance on the timing of the second dose beyond the initial recommendation of 2-6 months.