SHINGRIX Vaccination Guidelines

Dosing and Administration

The standard regimen for SHINGRIX vaccination is a two-dose series with the second dose administered 2-6 months after the first dose for adults aged ≥50 years, with a minimum interval of 4 weeks between doses, administered via intramuscular injection 1
For immunocompromised adults aged ≥18 years, a shortened schedule with the second dose at 1-2 months after the first dose is recommended 1
After previous Zostavax vaccination, SHINGRIX should be administered at least 2 months after ZVL, and after a shingles episode, vaccination should be delayed at least 2 months 1

SHINGRIX has proven effectiveness of 97.2% in preventing herpes zoster in adults aged ≥50 years in pivotal trials, with protection maintained above 83.3% for at least 8 years 1
The vaccine has a real-world effectiveness, although the cited figure is not provided in the relevant section, the efficacy against postherpetic neuralgia is 76.0% is not directly related to the cited fact but common adverse reactions are reported 1

Common adverse reactions include 9.5% grade 3 injection-site reactions and 11.4% systemic symptoms, with no serious safety concerns identified in large clinical trials 1
SHINGRIX is preferred over live-attenuated Zostavax for immunocompromised patients due to its non-live, recombinant nature, and is safe for use in patients on immunosuppressive therapy 1
For patients on disease-modifying drugs, consideration should be given to holding methotrexate for 2 weeks after vaccination, and vaccinating ≥6 months after the last dose of rituximab and 4 weeks before the next dose when possible 2
Concomitant low-dose glucocorticoids (<10 mg/day prednisone equivalent) do not adversely impact the vaccine response 1