Shingles

Shingles Vaccine – Shingrix (Recombinant Zoster Vaccine)

Protects against: Shingles (Herpes Zoster): Painful blistering rash caused by reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (chickenpox virus), nerve pain (postherpetic neuralgia) lasting months to years, eye complications (herpes zoster ophthalmicus) that can cause vision loss, and rare but serious complications including pneumonia, encephalitis, and hearing problems.

Who should get it:

Primary Group – Adults:

• All adults 50 years and older
• Immunocompromised adults 19 years and older (due to disease or therapy)
• Adults who previously received the older Zostavax vaccine
• Adults with chronic conditions (diabetes, COPD, heart disease)
• Adults on low-dose immunosuppressive therapy

Also recommended for:

• Adults who have already had shingles (can be reinfected)
• Adults who are unsure whether they had chickenpox
• Adults living with or caring for immunocompromised individuals

Schedule:

2-dose series:

• Dose 1: At any time (from age 50, or age 19 if immunocompromised)
• Dose 2: 2–6 months after first dose (or 1–2 months apart if immunocompromised)

No booster currently required after completing the 2-dose series.

Why vaccinate:

• 1 in 3 people will develop shingles in their lifetime — risk increases significantly with age
• Postherpetic neuralgia (long-term nerve pain) affects up to 30% of shingles cases and can be debilitating
• Over 90% effective at preventing shingles in adults 50–69; remains highly effective in those 70+
• Reduces severity and duration of illness even if breakthrough shingles occurs
• Prevents serious complications including vision loss, hearing loss, and hospitalisation
• No cure for shingles — antiviral medications only reduce severity if started early
• Previous chickenpox infection does not protect against shingles — vaccination is still essential
• Protection does not wane significantly over time, unlike the older Zostavax vaccine
• Safe and well-tolerated, with side effects typically mild and short-lived (sore arm, fatigue, fever for 1–2 days)

Important note: Shingrix is a recombinant (non-live) vaccine, making it safe for most immunocompromised individuals (confirm with a doctor). It is significantly more effective than the older live Zostavax vaccine and has largely replaced it. Both doses are required for full protection. Common side effects such as arm soreness, fatigue, and low-grade fever are normal signs that the immune system is responding and typically resolve within 2–3 days. Even if you have had shingles before, vaccination is recommended to prevent recurrence.