Shingrix Injection: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Shingrix is a vaccine given by injection to help protect adults against shingles (herpes zoster) and the long-lasting nerve pain called post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) that can follow it. It is given as two doses, two to six months apart, and does not treat shingles or chickenpox once they have already developed. Common effects include soreness at the injection site, fatigue, and headache, and it is important to complete both doses for full protection.

What is Shingrix Injection

Shingrix is a vaccine given by injection to help protect adults against shingles (herpes zoster), a painful blistering rash caused by the chickenpox virus becoming active again in the body. It also helps protect against a long-lasting nerve pain that can follow shingles called post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). It does not treat shingles or chickenpox once they have already developed.

Shingrix Injection uses

• Prevents shingles (herpes zoster) in adults 50 years and older
• Prevents shingles in adults 18 years and older who have an increased risk of shingles due to a weakened immune system from disease or treatment
• Helps prevent post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), the long-lasting nerve pain that can follow shingles

Benefits of Shingrix Injection

• Shown to be over 90% effective at preventing shingles in adults 50 years and older who received both doses
• Reduces the risk of shingles in people over 70 by about 91%
• Reduces the risk of post-herpetic neuralgia in people over 70 by about 89%
• Long-term data shows protection lasting at least 10 years
• Can still provide some protection in people with weakened immune systems, even though the effect may be reduced

How Shingrix Injection works

Shingrix contains a small piece of protein from the shingles virus along with an ingredient called an adjuvant. This combination causes your body to build its own protection (antibodies) against shingles, so your immune system can fight off the virus if it becomes active again. It takes about 2 weeks for your body to build up this protection.

Shingrix Injection dosage

Shingrix is given as an injection into a muscle, usually the upper arm, by a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. It is given as a series of 2 doses, with the second dose given 2 to 6 months after the first. For people with a weakened immune system, the second dose may be given sooner, as early as 1 to 2 months after the first.

Shingrix can be given at the same time as a flu shot, pneumonia vaccine, tetanus vaccine, COVID-19 booster, or RSV vaccine, using a different injection site for each. It is important to complete both doses to get the full benefit of the vaccine. You may be asked to remain seated during the injection and for a short time afterward if you have a history of fainting after injections.

Available forms and strengths

• Single-dose vial kit for reconstitution

Side effects of Shingrix Injection

Common

• Pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site
• Muscle pain
• Fatigue/tiredness
• Headache
• Shivering/chills
• Fever
• Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Joint pain
• Injection site itching
• Generally feeling unwell

Serious

• Severe allergic reaction (hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat, fast heartbeat, dizziness, weakness)
• Guillain-Barré syndrome (weakness, tingling, trouble speaking or swallowing, problems with balance or eye movement, loss of bladder or bowel control)
• Fainting after the injection

Warnings and precautions

• Do not get Shingrix if you have ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to an inactivated zoster vaccine or any of its ingredients. Do not get the second dose if the first dose caused a life-threatening allergic reaction.
• There is an increased risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare condition causing nerve inflammation, within 42 days after getting the vaccine.
• Fainting can happen after getting this and other injectable vaccines. If you have fainted after injections before, you can ask to lie down during the shot.
• You may need to delay the vaccine if you currently have an infection with a high temperature, or if you have an acute severe illness.
• Temporary pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site may occur after the shot.
• It is not known whether Shingrix will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
• It may not be safe to breastfeed a baby shortly after receiving Shingrix. Ask your doctor about any risks.
• There is no information on whether Shingrix affects your ability to drive or use machines, but you should not drive or use machines if you are feeling unwell after the vaccine.

Storage

• Shingrix will normally be stored at the doctor's clinic or at the pharmacy
• If you collect Shingrix from your pharmacy prior to the injection, store it in a refrigerator (2°C – 8°C) in the original package in order to protect from light
• Do not freeze
• Keep it where young children cannot reach it
• If you no longer need to use this medicine or it is out of date, take it to any pharmacy for safe disposal
• Do not use this medicine after the expiry date

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency medical help right away if you have signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Seek medical attention right away if you have weakness or tingling, trouble speaking or swallowing, problems with balance or eye movement, or loss of bladder or bowel control, as these may be signs of Guillain-Barré syndrome.
• Call your doctor right away if you have a high fever after the vaccine.

Alternatives

• Varilrix
• Varivax
• Zostavax