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Compare Varivax vs. Shingrix

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Varivax (varicella vaccine) and Shingrix (zoster vaccine) are both vaccines used to prevent infections caused by the varicella virus. Varivax is used to prevent chickenpox, while Shingrix is used to prevent shingles. Both vaccines are given as injections, but they have some important differences. Varivax is a live attenuated vaccine, meaning it contains a weakened form of the virus, and is typically given to children in two doses. Shingrix, on the other hand, is an inactive, recombinant vaccine, meaning it uses a protein from the virus, and is mostly given to adults aged 50 and older in two doses. Varivax is not recommended for people with weakened immune systems or those who are pregnant, while Shingrix can be given to younger adults with weakened immune systems. Common side effects of both vaccines include injection site reaction and fever.

  • Varivax (varicella vaccine)
    Shingrix
  • Varivax (varicella vaccine)
    Shingrix

  • Summary of Varivax vs. Shingrix

    Summary for Vaccine
    Prescription only

    Varivax, the chickenpox vaccine, is a live vaccine used to prevent chickenpox (varicella) infection. The CDC recommends Varivax (varicella vaccine) as a routine childhood vaccine, but adults can receive it too if they need to catch up. Varivax (varicella vaccine) is given as an injection into the muscle or under the skin for a total of 2 doses. Because it's a live vaccine, certain people shouldn't receive this shot, such as those who are pregnant or have a weakened immune system. Side effects include injection-site reactions (e.g., pain, swelling, redness) and fever.

    Summary for Vaccine
    Prescription only

    Shingrix is a shingles vaccine. It's an inactive, recombinant vaccine given to prevent shingles (herpes zoster) in adults ages 50 years and older. Shingrix can also be given to younger adults who have a weakened immune system. This vaccine is injected into the muscle in two doses, typically scheduled 2 to 6 months apart. Common side effects of Shingrix include pain and swelling at the injection site, muscle pain, and headache. Shingrix is the only shingles vaccine in the United States; it replaces the discontinued Zostavax.

  • Indications of Varivax vs. Shingrix

    Indications for
    •Prevention of chickenpox (varicella)
    Indications for
    •Prevention of shingles

  • Pros and Cons of Varivax vs. Shingrix

    Pros and Const for Vaccine
    Pros
    •Works very well to protect against chickenpox
    •Lowers your risk of getting shingles later in life
    •Available at most pharmacies and clinics
    Cons
    •Not safe for people who are pregnant or have weakened immune systems
    •Injection given into the muscle or under the skin by a healthcare professional
    •Only available as a brand-name medication
    Pros and Const for Vaccine
    Pros
    •Up to 97% effective at preventing shingles
    •Up to 91% effective at preventing long-term nerve pain in people who got shingles despite getting vaccinated
    •Protection against varicella-zoster virus can last for up to 10 years
    •Typically easy to find at most pharmacies and clinics
    Cons
    •Must be given as an injection into the muscle
    •Need to get 2 doses
    •Can only be given by a healthcare provider
    •Unknown if safe while pregnant or breastfeeding

  • Common Side Effects of Varivax vs. Shingrix

    Common Side Effects for

    Age 12 months to 12 years:

    •Injection site reaction (19%)
    •Fever (15%)
    •Chickenpox-like rash (Up to 4%)

    Age over 12 years:

    •Injection site reaction (24-33%)
    •Fever (10%)
    •Chickenpox-like rash (Up to 6%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Pain at injection site (up to 88%)
    •Fatigue (up to 57%)
    •Muscle pain (up to 57%)
    •Headache (up to 51%)
    •Redness at injection site (up to 39%)
    •Shivering (up to 36%)
    •Swelling at injection site (up to 31%)
    •Fever (up to 28%)

  • Warnings of Varivax vs. Shingrix

    Common Side Effects for
    •Life-threatening allergic reactions
    •Family history of a weakened immune system
    •Vaccine shedding
    •Immune globulins and transfusions
    •Reye's syndrome
    Common Side Effects for
    •Allergic reactions to the vaccine
    •Fainting
    •Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)

  • Prices with our coupons for Varivax vs. Shingrix

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