Private vaccinations
Shingles (Shingrix)
Highly effective non-live recombinant vaccine for the prevention of shingles and post-herpetic neuralgia.
About this vaccine
About Shingles (Shingrix)
Shingrix is a non-live recombinant subunit vaccine and is now the preferred shingles vaccine in the UK. Shingles is caused by reactivation of the varicella zoster virus that causes chickenpox and becomes more common — and more severe — with increasing age or immunosuppression.
Because Shingrix is non-live it can be used in immunocompromised adults who cannot receive the older live Zostavax vaccine.
What it protects against
Protection
Shingles (herpes zoster) and its most feared complication, post-herpetic neuralgia. Clinical trials have shown efficacy in excess of 90% against shingles in adults 50 and over, with sustained protection over many years.
How it's delivered
Delivery
Intramuscular injection into the upper arm.
Doses
Number of doses required
Two doses given 2–6 months apart. In immunocompromised adults the interval can be shortened to 1–2 months if needed.
Who should have it
Who should consider it
Adults from 50 years of age, and immunocompromised adults from 18 years — including those on chemotherapy, biologics, high-dose steroids, or following stem cell or organ transplant.
Contraindications
Important information
Confirmed anaphylactic reaction to a previous dose or to any component of the vaccine. Postpone during acute febrile illness.
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