Shingrix
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.
What is Shingrix?
What is Shingrix used for?
Prevention of shingles
How Shingrix works
Shingrix is an inactive, recombinant vaccine that protects you from the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which is the virus that causes shingles. Shingrix is made using a protein from the VZV. The protein triggers your immune system to make antibodies against the virus. These antibodies will attack the VZV if it ever reactivates inside your body.
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What are the side effects of Shingrix?
Common Side Effects
- 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%)
Other Side Effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
Serious Side Effects
- Serious allergic reactions: hives, rash, itching, dizziness, fever, shaking, nausea, flushing, low blood pressure, shortness of breath, chest pain
Source: DailyMed
More on Shingrix side effects
The following side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Feeling faint or lightheaded
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site
Pros and cons of Shingrix
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
Pharmacist tips for Shingrix
Read the Vaccine Information Statement for more information on Shingrix.
Don't get Shingrix if you're sick, especially if you have a fever. Wait until you recover first. But if you're sick with only mild symptoms, such as the beginning of a cold, you can still get Shingrix. Ask your primary care provider if you're not sure whether or not you need to wait to get the vaccine.
It's recommended to get Shingrix even if you've already had shingles because it can prevent you from getting it again in the future.
After your first dose of Shingrix, make sure to schedule your second dose. For this vaccine to work well, you need two doses, typically given 2 to 6 months apart.
It's common to experience side effects, such as sore arm, tiredness, headache, or fever, right after you get Shingrix. These side effects typically last 2 to 3 days. But let your provider know if they last longer than that.
If you get a severe reaction to Shingrix, you or your healthcare provider can report it to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) by visiting their website or by calling 1-800-822-7967.
Let your healthcare provider know if you think you might be due for other vaccines. They can double check whether or not you're able to get them on the same day as Shingrix.
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Frequently asked questions about Shingrix
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What are the risks and warnings for Shingrix?
Shingrix can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Allergic reactions to the vaccine
Risk factors: Past allergic reaction to vaccines
As with any vaccine, there's a rare chance that you might have a severe allergic reaction to Shingrix. Your provider might ask you to stay at the pharmacy or clinic for a short period of time after you've received your vaccine to make sure you can get proper care if a serious allergic reaction happens. Sometimes, these reactions can happen after you've already left the clinic. Get medical help right away if you notice symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as feeling faint, swelling of the face, closing of the throat, difficulty breathing, hives or rash, dizziness, shaking, nausea, or chest pain.
Fainting
Risk factors: Fainting after vaccines in the past
Some people have fainted during or after getting injectable vaccines, such as Shingrix. Fainting can happen along with temporary changes in vision, burning sensation, and stiffening or twitching of your arms and legs. Let your provider know if you've fainted after getting vaccines in the past so they can monitor you.
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)
Risk factors: Older adults
Although very rare, some people have reported getting Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) after they've received Shingrix. The risk for this syndrome might be higher during the first month and a half after getting the vaccine. GBS is a rare condition that causes muscle weakness, tingling in the body, and paralysis. Let your provider know right away if you experience these symptoms.
Shingrix dosage forms
| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 vaccine of 0.5ml | 1 carton | $224.06 | $224.06 |
Typical dosing for Shingrix
The typical dose is 0.5 mL injected into the muscle for 2 doses. The injections are given by a healthcare provider.
After the first dose, the second dose is typically given 2 to 6 months later. For people who have a weaker immune system, the second dose can be given sooner (1 to 2 months after the first dose).
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How much does Shingrix cost?
Shingrix contraindications
Severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of Shingrix
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References
Best studies we foundCenters for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). What everyone should know about Zostavax.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Recombinant shingles VIS.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Shingles Vaccination.
GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals SA. (2023). Shingrix- zoster vaccine recombinant, adjuvanted kit [package insert]. DailyMed.
Izurieta, H. S., et al. (2021). Recombinant zoster vaccine (Shingrix): Real-world effectiveness in the first 2 years post-licensure. Clinical Infectious Diseases.
Strezova, A., et al. (2022). Long-term protection against herpes zoster by the adjuvanted recombinant zoster vaccine: Interim efficacy, immunogenicity, and safety results up to 10 years after initial vaccination. Open Forum Infectious Disease.
Tricco, A. C.,et al. (2018). Efficacy, effectiveness, and safety of herpes zoster vaccines in adults aged 50 and older: Systematic review and network meta-analysis. British Medical Journal(Clinical Research Edition).
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