Shingles Vaccine: Latest Recommendations and Information

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a painful rash caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus – the same virus that causes chickenpox. While there’s no cure for shingles, vaccination is highly effective in preventing the disease and its complications. This article provides the latest information on shingles vaccines, recommendations and what you need to recognize to protect yourself.

What is Shingles and Why is Vaccination Critical?

The varicella-zoster virus remains dormant in the body after a chickenpox infection. Shingles occurs when this virus reactivates, typically in adulthood. Symptoms include a painful rash that usually appears on one side of the body, often accompanied by blistering. Beyond the pain of the rash itself, shingles can lead to long-term nerve pain called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), as well as other complications like vision loss, hearing problems, and even stroke. Vaccination significantly reduces the risk of developing these complications.

Recommended Shingles Vaccine: Shingrix

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends Shingrix (recombinant zoster vaccine or RZV) as the preferred vaccine for preventing shingles and its complications. Shingrix is approved for use in adults aged 50 years and older, and also for adults aged 19 years and older who are or will be immunodeficient or immunosuppressed due to disease or therapy. A previous shingles vaccine, Zostavax, is no longer available in the United States.

Who Should Get the Shingrix Vaccine?

The CDC recommends two doses of Shingrix for the following groups:

• Adults 50 years and older: Even if you’ve had shingles before or received the older Zostavax vaccine, Shingrix is recommended.
• Adults 19 years and older who are immunocompromised: This includes individuals with conditions like HIV, leukemia, or those undergoing chemotherapy or taking immunosuppressant medications.

Shingrix Vaccination Schedule

Shingrix is administered as a two-dose series, with the doses given 2–6 months apart. If more than 6 months elapse between the first and second dose, the second dose should be administered as soon as possible; you do not need to restart the vaccine series.

Can Shingrix Be Given With Other Vaccines?

Yes, Shingrix can be administered at the same time as other adult vaccines, including the COVID-19 vaccine and influenza vaccines, at different anatomic sites. Coadministration of Shingrix with adjuvanted influenza vaccine (Fluad) and COVID-19 vaccines is currently being studied.

Shingles Vaccine Safety and Side Effects

Shingrix is generally well-tolerated. Common side effects include pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site, as well as fatigue, muscle aches, headache, and fever. Serious side effects are rare, but an increased risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome (a rare neurological disorder) has been observed after vaccination. Individuals with a known allergy to any of the vaccine’s ingredients should not receive Shingrix.

Ongoing Research

Research continues to explore modern ways to prevent and treat shingles. Clinical trials are underway to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of modified RNA vaccines against shingles.

Key Takeaways

• Shingles is a painful condition caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus.
• The Shingrix vaccine is highly effective in preventing shingles and its complications.
• The CDC recommends Shingrix for adults 50 years and older, and for immunocompromised adults 19 years and older.
• Shingrix is a two-dose series administered 2-6 months apart.
• The vaccine is generally safe, with common side effects being mild and temporary.