Most people born in the United States before 1980 have been infected with chickenpox or the varicella-zoster virus. Chickenpox remains dormant in your body but can reactivate later as shingles or herpes zoster. Shingles can cause painful, itchy skin blisters, fever, and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). PHN can cause long-lasting nerve pain.
Your risk of getting shingles increases as you get older or if you have a weakened immune system. About 1 in 3 people will get shingles, and you can get it more than once. Studies have shown that Shingrix reduces the risk of getting shingles by over 90% in people over 50.
How Does It Work?
Shingrix is a vaccine that contains a protein from the varicella-zoster virus. The protein triggers your body to create antibodies. These antibodies will quickly fight off the virus. The vaccine also contains an adjuvant. This adjuvant helps your body produce a stronger response to the vaccine.
How Was It Studied?
The effect of the vaccine on reducing the risk of contracting shingles compared with placebo was studied. People in these studies were over the age of 50, with 62 being the average age. The majority, 61%, were female. Seventy-two percent of the people were White, 19% were Asian, 2% were Black, and 7% were other races. The study also looked at the effect of the vaccine on different age groups. People received either two doses of vaccine or a placebo 2 months apart. People were followed for an average of 3 years after receiving either the vaccine or placebo.
The second study looked at how effective the vaccine was in people over 70 years of age. It also looked at whether the vaccine could prevent postherpetic neuralgia. People either received two doses of vaccine or two doses of placebo and were followed for an average of 4 years. The average age of people was 76 years old, 55% were female, and 78% were White.
What Are the Main Benefits Based on Studies?
In the first study, the vaccine showed that it was 97% effective after two shots compared to placebo in preventing shingles in people over 50. The vaccine showed comparable results across all ages.
- Fewer cases of shingles: In people who received the vaccine, only six cases of shingles were reported. In the placebo group, 210 people developed shingles.
- Provides protection for all ages over 50: Generally, our immune system declines as we age. Older adults are more likely to get shingles and with greater severity. The vaccine demonstrated the same effectiveness with all ages over 50.
- No cases of PHN: In the group that received the vaccine, there were no cases of PHN compared with 18 cases in the placebo group.
Results of the second study show that the vaccine is about 90% effective for people over 70 years of age.
- Fewer cases of shingles: Fewer people who received the vaccine developed shingles. Overall, 23 people developed shingles in the vaccine group, while 223 people developed shingles in the placebo group.
- Protection remains strong for people over 70: The vaccine is 90% effective against shingles in ages 70 to 79. For people over 80, the vaccine is about 89% effective.
- Greater protection against PHN: Those who received the vaccine were less likely to have PHN due to fewer cases of shingles. The vaccine is about 86% effective against getting PHN in people over 70.
When the studies are combined, the vaccine reduces the risk of shingles in patients over 70 by about 91%. It also reduces the risk of PHN in those over 70 by about 89%.
Long-term data shows that Shingrix is effective for at least 10 years. Overall, it was 89% effective at preventing shingles in people over 50 for 10 years.
People who have a weakened immune system are at a greater risk of getting shingles. Studies were done to see if Shingrix will be effective in those who are immunocompromised. People in these studies had blood cancer or had recently had a stem cell transplant. Results showed that while the effect of the vaccine may be diminished, it can still provide protection against disease.
Another study looked at the effectiveness of Shingrix in people who were previously given the Zostavax shingles vaccine. Zostavax was previously used to prevent shingles but is no longer used in the U.S. Being vaccinated with Zostavax did not affect the ability of Shingrix to provide protection against shingles.
Studies also looked at whether it is OK to receive the Shingrix vaccine at the same time as other vaccines. These studies showed that receiving vaccines together did not affect how they work. Shingrix is safe to receive at the same time as other vaccines such as:
How Long Does It Take to Work?
It takes about 2 weeks for your body to build up antibodies to the vaccine.
Is It Right for Me?
Shingrix is only for people who are over the age of 50 or for those who are over the age of 18 and are immunocompromised. It will not provide protection against the chickenpox virus.
You may need to delay vaccination if you have a current illness. If you have a fever, diarrhea, or vomiting, you should wait until you are feeling better. If you currently have shingles, you will need to wait until you have fully recovered and your rash is gone.
What Can I Do to Prevent and Manage Side Effects?
The most common side effects reported in studies include injection site reactions, muscle pain, fatigue, headache, and fever. Most side effects are temporary and should only last a few days. Headaches, muscle pain, and fatigue were more common with the second shot.
Injection site reactions include pain, redness, and swelling and occur in the part of the body where the vaccine was given. You can apply an ice pack or cool compress to the area to provide relief. Your doctor or pharmacist may also recommend an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
If you experience fever or muscle pain following vaccination, your health care provider may recommend an over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Pain medicine should not be taken before getting the vaccine as this can interfere with how well the vaccine works.
Headache was commonly reported after getting the vaccine. Applying a cool compress or ice pack may help. You can also try resting in a cool, dark room. Avoid activities or things that may make headaches worse, such as strenuous exercise, too much screen time, bright lights, and loud noises. Not getting enough to eat or drink may also make headaches worse. Your doctor or pharmacist may recommend an OTC pain reliever.
Fainting can occur after getting a vaccine. Fainting is usually not serious, but you could injure yourself if you fall. You should remain seated while getting the vaccine and for 15 minutes afterward. Notify your doctor or pharmacist if you suddenly feel sick after getting a shot or if you have a history of fainting.
Although rare, there is an increased risk of Guillain-Barre syndrome following vaccination. The risk is greater in the first 42 days after vaccination with Shingrix. There were no cases of Guillain-Barre syndrome during clinical trials, but a small number of cases were discovered after Shingrix was approved. Notify your doctor or pharmacist if you have a history of Guillain-Barre syndrome.
This is not a complete list of side effects. If side effects do not go away or become bothersome, notify your doctor.
You can report vaccine side effects to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services at www.vaers.hhs.gov or by calling 800-822-7967.
How Do I Use It?
Shingrix is administered by injection into the deltoid muscle of your upper arm. You will need 2 doses of Shingrix to be fully protected. You will get the second dose 2 to 6 months after your first dose. If you are or will be immunocompromised, your doctor may recommend your second dose be given 1 to 2 months after your first.
Shingles can occur at any time of the year. It is best to get the vaccine as soon as you are eligible for it. If you previously had the Zostavax vaccine, the CDC recommends that you receive two doses of Shingrix.
How Long Does It Stay in Your System?
Once you receive the vaccine, it starts working to build up your immunity. Recent studies have shown that Shingrix can provide protection against shingles for at least 10 years. The effect declines over time, but it still provides protection against disease and complications.
What Do I Need to Do to Get It?
Most pharmacies offer vaccines. Some states may require a prescription from your doctor. Those with Medicare Part D should visit the pharmacy for the vaccine. Some doctor’s offices also provide vaccines. For more information about availability and coverage, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Is There Any Cost Assistance Available?
Eligibility depends on your current prescription insurance coverage. Most insurance policies cover the cost of the vaccine. If you are without insurance or with limited benefits, there may be programs that can help. Visit GSKForYou.com or call 866-GSK-FOR-U for more information.
