Shingrix Dosage Schedule: Your GoodRx Guide for When to Get the Shingles Vaccine
Key takeaways:
Shingrix (recombinant zoster vaccine) is the only shingles vaccine available in the U.S. It’s recommended for adults ages 50 and older. Adults ages 19 and older with weakened immune systems are also eligible. Shingrix is given as an injection into the muscle.
The typical Shingrix dosage schedule is two shots, given 2 to 6 months apart. Certain people who are immunocompromised may be advised to receive the second shot sooner — 1 to 2 months after the first.
If it’s been more than 6 months since your first Shingrix shot, you don’t need to restart the series. Get your second shot as soon as possible.
Table of contents
Turning 50 often brings significant life changes, especially when it comes to your health. For one thing, this milestone marks an increased risk of shingles — a painful condition caused by the reactivation of the virus that causes chickenpox.
To protect against this, experts recommend Shingrix, the shingles vaccine, for everyone ages 50 and up.
Shingrix follows a specific dosage schedule to ensure the best protection against shingles. Here’s what you should know about the Shingrix dosage schedule, including what to do if you miss your second shot.
What’s the typical Shingrix dosage schedule?
A healthcare professional injects Shingrix into your muscle. Your shingles vaccine eligibility and dosage schedule can depend on your age and medical history.
You shouldn’t get Shingrix if you’re allergic to one of its ingredients, you currently have shingles, or if you’re pregnant.
Adults ages 50 and older
The CDC recommends that adults ages 50 and older receive Shingrix. The typical Shingrix dosage schedule in this age group is two doses, given 2 to 6 months apart.
Adults ages 19 and older with a weakened immune system
The CDC also recommends that adults ages 19 and older with a weakened immune system receive Shingrix. This includes people with health conditions such as cancer or HIV, or transplant recipients. Certain medications can also suppress the immune system. Your primary care provider can help you figure out if you fall into this category.
The typical Shingrix dosage schedule for this group is also two doses, given 2 to 6 months apart. But your healthcare team may recommend getting your second dose 1 to 2 months after the first dose.
If you think you might be eligible for Shingrix, talk to your healthcare team. They can also tell you if there’s a better time to receive the vaccine.
Shingles vaccine side effects: Worried how you’ll feel after getting the shingles vaccine? Here’s a list of Shingrix side effects and how to manage them.
Recurrent shingles: The shingles vaccine can help protect you against shingles, even if you’ve had it before. Learn why you can get shingles more than once.
Shingles vaccine cost: Many people can get the shingles vaccine at no cost. Here’s how much the shingles vaccine costs, plus ways to get it for free.
What happens if you skip your second Shingrix shot?
After two doses, Shingrix is estimated to be over 90% effective at preventing shingles. If you skip your second shot, you may not get the vaccine’s full benefits.
It’s important to get both Shingrix doses within the recommended time frame. But if more than 6 months have passed since your first Shingrix dose, you won’t need to restart the vaccine series. Just get your second dose as soon as possible.
What should you do if you previously received Zostavax?
Zostavax was another shingles vaccine available in the U.S. before November 2020. If you received Zostavax, it’s still recommended to get Shingrix. This is because Zostavax protection appears to fade after just a few years. New data suggests that protection from Shingrix lasts at least 10 years.
If you received Zostavax, talk to your healthcare team about when you should get Shingrix.
Can you get Shingrix at the same time as other vaccines?
Yes. According to the CDC, you can receive Shingrix at the same time as other vaccines, such as the flu shot or COVID vaccine. However, you shouldn’t receive them in the same spot. For example, you could get Shingrix in one arm and your flu shot in the other arm.
How to save on Shingrix
If you have private insurance or Medicare Part D, you can likely get Shingrix at no cost. But if your plan doesn’t cover Shingrix, or if you don’t have insurance, there are ways to save.
With a free GoodRx discount, the price of Shingrix is as low as $212.00 per dose at certain pharmacies. If you’re eligible, you can also get Shingrix at no cost through the manufacturer’s patient assistance program.
Other options for free or low-cost vaccines include a local community health center, state health department, or a federally funded health center.
The bottom line
Shingrix (recombinant zoster vaccine) is the only shingles vaccine available in the U.S. It’s recommended for adults ages 50 and older. Adults ages 19 and older with weakened immune systems are also eligible.
The typical Shingrix dosage schedule is two doses, 2 to 6 months apart. Some people may be advised to get the second dose sooner.
It’s best to receive both Shingrix doses within the recommended time frame. But if more than 6 months have passed since your first shot, it’s recommended to get the second shot as soon as possible. You won’t need to restart the vaccine series.
Talk to your healthcare team if you have questions about Shingrix eligibility or timing.
Why trust our experts?
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Clinical considerations for Shingrix use in immunocompromised adults aged ≥19 years.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Shingles facts and stats.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Shingles vaccination.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Shingles vaccine recommendations.
Health Resources and Service Administration. (2024). About the health center program.
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