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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)

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Shingrix

 

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Summary for Varivax

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.

Indications for Varivax

Pros and Cons for Varivax

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

Common Side Effects for Varivax

Age 12 months to 12 years:

Age over 12 years:

Warnings for Varivax

  • Life-threatening allergic reactions
  • Family history of a weakened immune system
  • Vaccine shedding
  • Immune globulins and transfusions
  • Reye's syndrome

Summary for Shingrix

Prescription only

Shingrix is a vaccine that helps prevent shingles (herpes zoster). It's approved for all adults age 50 years and older, and for adults age 18 years and older who have a higher risk due to weakened immune systems. You receive it as a shot into the muscle from a healthcare professional. The injection is given in two doses, typically 2 to 6 months apart. Common side effects include pain and swelling at the injection site, muscle pain, and headache.

Indications for Shingrix

  • Prevention of shingles in all adults age 50 years and older
  • Prevention of shingles in adults age 18 and older who are at risk due to weak immune systems

Pros and Cons for Shingrix

Pros

Cons

  • Must be given as an injection into the muscle
  • Can only be given by a healthcare professional
  • Need to get 2 doses

Common Side Effects for Shingrix

Adults age 50 years and older:

  • Injection site pain (78%)
  • Redness (38%)
  • Swelling (26%)
  • Muscle pain (45%)
  • Tiredness (45%)
  • Headache (38%)
  • Shivering (27%)
  • Fever (21%)
  • Stomach problems (17%)

Adults age 18 to 49 years old with weakened immune systems:

  • Tiredness (64% and 54%)
  • Muscle pain (58% and 52%)
  • Headache (44% and 30%)
  • Stomach problems (21% and 28%)
  • Shivering (31% and 25%)
  • Fever (28% and 18%)

Warnings for Shingrix

  • Severe allergic reaction
  • Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)
  • Fainting

Prices with our coupons for Varivax vs. Shingrix

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Varivax1 vial / 0.5ml
$205.53$228.25
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Shingrix1 carton / 1 vaccine of 0.5ml
$133.76$228.42
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Varivax vs. Shingrix

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