Understanding Shingrix: The Preferred Shingles Vaccine
The recombinant zoster vaccine, known as Shingrix, is the only shingles vaccine available in the United States and is highly effective for adults 50 and older. It offers strong protection against shingles and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a common and potentially severe complication. Shingrix, approved by the FDA in 2017, has replaced the older Zostavax vaccine. The CDC recommends a two-dose series for all healthy adults aged 50 and above, regardless of whether they have had shingles or received Zostavax.
How Shingrix Works
Shingrix is a non-live, recombinant subunit vaccine, unlike the live attenuated virus in Zostavax. It contains a protein from the virus, glycoprotein E, along with an adjuvant (AS01B) to boost the immune response. This helps to generate strong and lasting immunity, which is important as natural immunity decreases with age. The vaccine is given as two intramuscular doses, with the second dose administered 2 to 6 months after the first.
Efficacy and Benefits of Shingrix
Studies and real-world data demonstrate that Shingrix is significantly more effective than the previous vaccine. It has shown efficacy rates over 90% in preventing shingles and PHN in healthy adults over 50. For adults aged 50–69, the vaccine is approximately 97% effective in preventing shingles, and around 91% for those 70 and older. This high level of protection persists for several years.
Key benefits of Shingrix include:
- High efficacy: Provides over 90% protection against shingles and PHN.
- Prevents PHN: Reduces the risk of developing postherpetic neuralgia.
- Broad eligibility: Recommended for all healthy adults 50+, including those with prior shingles or Zostavax vaccination.
- Strong, long-lasting immunity: Generates a robust and sustained immune response.
- Non-live vaccine: Can be safely administered to many adults, including some who are immunocompromised.
Shingrix vs. Zostavax: A Comparison
Shingrix represents a significant advancement in shingles prevention compared to the discontinued Zostavax. The following table highlights the key differences:
| Feature | Shingrix (Recombinant Zoster Vaccine) | Zostavax (Live Attenuated Vaccine) |
|---|---|---|
| Vaccine Type | Non-live, recombinant subunit | Live attenuated virus |
| Dosing | Two doses, 2-6 months apart | Single dose |
| Efficacy | Over 90% in adults 50+ | Approximately 51% in adults 60+ |
| Protection Duration | Protection remains strong for at least seven years | Effectiveness wanes significantly over five years |
| Immunocompromised Patients | Can be used in many immunocompromised patients | Cannot be used in immunocompromised patients |
| Current Status | Recommended and available in the U.S. | Discontinued in the U.S. as of 2020 |
What to Expect During and After Vaccination
Shingrix is administered in the upper arm. Most side effects are temporary and typically resolve within 2 to 3 days. These are normal signs that the immune system is building protection.
Common side effects can include:
- Pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site.
- Muscle pain.
- Tiredness and fatigue.
- Headache.
- Shivering or fever.
- Upset stomach.
While side effects can occur, they are generally less severe than the pain and complications of shingles. It is important to receive both doses for the best protection, even if you experience side effects after the first dose.
Conclusion
The CDC recommends Shingrix for all healthy adults aged 50 and older to protect against shingles and postherpetic neuralgia. This two-dose vaccine offers significantly better and longer-lasting protection than the previous Zostavax vaccine. For those aged 50 or older, including those with a history of shingles or prior Zostavax vaccination, Shingrix is a safe and highly effective way to prevent this painful disease and its long-term effects. Consult a healthcare provider to see if Shingrix is right for you, based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
