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Shingrix
Used for Shingles
Used for Shingles
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.
What is Shingrix?
What is Shingrix used for?
- 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
How Shingrix works
Shingrix is an inactive form of a recombinant vaccine that helps protect you from the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which causes shingles. It's not a live vaccine.
Shingrix is made using a protein from VZV. The protein triggers your immune system to make antibodies against the virus. These antibodies can recognize and fight the virus if it becomes active again in your body.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Shingrix |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Vaccine |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
More on Shingrix essentials
Side effects of Shingrix
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
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%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Joint pain
- Dizziness
- Itching
- Feeling ill
- Gout
Shingrix serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Serious allergic reactions: hives, rash, itching, dizziness, fever, shaking, nausea, flushing, low blood pressure, shortness of breath, chest pain
More on Shingrix side effects
The following Shingrix 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
Get your GoodRx coupon
$228.42
GoodRx discount
$133.76
Pros and cons of Shingrix
Pros
- Over 90% effective at preventing shingles
- Reduces risk of long-term nerve pain
- Protection lasts up to 10 years
Cons
- Must be given as an injection into the muscle
- Can only be given by a healthcare professional
- Need to get 2 doses
Pharmacist tips for Shingrix
- Read the Vaccine Information Statement to learn more about Shingrix.
- If you're feeling pretty sick, wait until you feel better before getting Shingrix. If you only have a mild illness like a cold, you can usually still get the vaccine. Ask your primary care provider or pharmacist if you’re unsure.
- You should 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, schedule your second dose. You need two doses for it to work well, usually 2 to 6 months apart (or 1 to 2 months if you have a weakened immune system). Getting only one dose makes it much less effective.
- For convenience, ask your care team if you need other routine vaccines when you get Shingrix. That's because Shingrix can be given at the same time as other vaccines.
- It's common to have side effects, after Shingrix, like a sore arm, tiredness, headache, or fever. These usually last 2 to 3 days. But let your primary care provider know if they last longer.
- If you have a serious reaction to Shingrix, you or your care team can report it to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) by visiting their website or calling 1-800-822-7967.
More on Shingrix tips
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.
Severe allergic reaction
- Risk factors: Past allergic reaction to vaccines
There is a small chance of a severe allergic reaction after you get Shingrix. Your care team might ask you to stay for a short time after your injection so they can watch for any problems.
Serious reactions can also happen after you leave. Get medical help right away if you have symptoms like trouble breathing, swelling of your face or throat, hives, dizziness, chest pain, or feel faint.
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)
- Risk factors: Older adults
Although very rare, some people have reported Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) after the first dose of Shingrix. GBS is a rare condition that causes muscle weakness, tingling in the body, and even paralysis. Your risk might be slightly higher during the first 6 weeks after getting Shingrix. Let your care team know right away if you experience these symptoms.
Fainting
Some people faint during or after getting Shingrix. This can happen with other vaccines too. Fainting might come with vision changes, a burning feeling, or stiff or twitching arms and legs. Tell your care team if you’ve fainted after a vaccine before so they can watch you closely.
Shingrix dosage
The average cost for 1 carton of 1 vaccine of 0.5ml of Shingrix is $133.76 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 41.44% off the average retail price of $228.42. 
Carton
Carton| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 vaccine of 0.5ml | 1 carton | $133.76 | $133.76 |
Typical dosage for Shingrix
The typical dose is 0.5 mL injected into the muscle for 2 doses. The injections are given by a healthcare professional.
The second dose is typically given 2 to 6 months after the first. But people with a weakened immune system might get it sooner, about 1 to 2 months after the first dose.
More on Shingrix dosage
How much does Shingrix cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Shingrix (brand)
$133.76
Shingrix contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Shingrix will not be safe for you to take.
- Severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of Shingrix
News about Shingrix
Is Shingrix a Live Vaccine? Plus, 8 Other Shingles Vaccine FAQs Answered
Shingrix is not a live vaccine. The CDC recommends two doses of Shingrix between 2 and 6 months apart. Learn more about Shingrix with these FAQs from GoodRx.
How Much Is Shingrix Without Insurance?
Most health insurance plans cover Shingrix. Learn more about how much the shingles vaccine costs without insurance with this guide from GoodRx.
Which Vaccines Does Medicare Cover?
Original Medicare’s Part B and Part D cover most vaccinations — including RSV, shingles, flu, COVID-19, and more — without out-of-pocket costs.
Guide to Shingrix (Shingles Vaccine): Side Effects, Cost, Schedule, and More
Here’s your guide to everything you need to know about the shingles vaccine, including side effects, schedule, cost, and how long it lasts.
Is a Herpes Vaccine Currently In the Works?
The herpes simplex virus is regarded as permanent, but researchers are closer to developing a vaccine (and maybe a cure). See updates on the vaccine progress.
Varivax vs. Shingrix: 4 Differences Between The Vaccines
Varivax and Shingrix are vaccines for chickenpox and shingles, respectively. These vaccines target different age groups and have several other key differences.
How Much Does a Shingles Vaccine Cost?
As of January 2024, the shingles vaccination is $395.80 for a two-dose course, or $197.90 per dose. Learn how to save and if you can get the vaccine for free.
Does Medicare Cover the Shingles Vaccine?
Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans only cover the shingles vaccine if you have Part D coverage. Learn more about Medicare vaccine coverage.
7 Shingles Vaccine Side Effects: What to Expect After Receiving Shingrix
Stay informed about shingles vaccine (Shingrix) side effects with GoodRx. Understand risks and reactions for an informed decision.
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