Timing of Shingrix Vaccination After Shingles

Rationale for the 2-Month Waiting Period

The American College of Cardiology is not mentioned, however, it is recommended to wait at least 2 months after a shingles episode before receiving the Shingrix vaccination, allowing for complete resolution of the acute phase of herpes zoster, abatement of symptoms, and recovery of the immune system to optimize vaccine response 1
Vaccination after a shingles outbreak is particularly important as having one episode of shingles does not provide reliable protection against future recurrences 2

Different countries have varying recommendations for the time frame between a shingles episode and vaccination, with the USA recommending waiting until the acute stage has resolved and symptoms have abated (minimum 2 months) 1

A recent US study with 5.6 years of follow-up showed a cumulative incidence of shingles recurrence of 10.3% at 10 years 1

Shingrix is administered as a two-dose series, with the second dose given 2-6 months after the first dose for immunocompetent adults 2
For immunocompromised adults, a shorter schedule with the second dose given 1-2 months after the first dose may be considered 2

Shingrix (RZV) is preferred over the older live-attenuated Zostavax (ZVL) vaccine due to higher efficacy and stronger immune response 1
Shingrix can be safely administered to most immunocompromised patients, unlike the live Zostavax vaccine which is contraindicated in immunocompromised individuals 2
The British Journal of Dermatology recommends stopping biologic therapy for at least 6 months before giving live vaccines, and for 12 months in the case of shingles (herpes zoster) vaccine 3