Zoster Vaccine (Herpes Zoster / Shingles Vaccine): Shingrix Complete Clinical Guide

💉 Zoster Vaccine (Herpes Zoster / Shingles Vaccine)

Overview

Herpes zoster (shingles) is caused by reactivation of varicella-zoster virus (VZV), leading to a painful vesicular rash and potential complications such as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Vaccination is the most effective method to prevent shingles and its complications.

⭐ Preferred Vaccine: Recombinant Zoster Vaccine (RZV)

Brand name: Shingrix®

Shingrix is currently the vaccine of choice worldwide for shingles prevention.

🧪 Vaccine Type & Composition

• Type: Recombinant, adjuvanted vaccine (non-live)

• Antigen: VZV glycoprotein E

• Adjuvant: AS01B (enhances immune response)

• Strength: 50 micrograms (mcg) per dose

✅ Because it is non-live, it is safe for immunocompromised patients.

💉 Dose & Administration

• Dose: 0.5 mL

• Route: Intramuscular (IM)

• Site: Deltoid muscle

📆 Schedule

• Total: 2 doses

  • Dose 1: Day 0

  • Dose 2: 2–6 months after dose 1

  • (Immunocompromised patients: dose 2 may be given at 1–2 months)

📌 If delayed:

• Do NOT restart the series — simply give the missing dose.

👥 Indications

Shingrix is recommended for:

• All adults ≥50 years

• Adults ≥19 years who are immunocompromised

• Individuals with:

  • Prior shingles episode

  • Prior receipt of live zoster vaccine (Zostavax)

⏳ Duration of Protection

• Provides strong protection for at least 10 years

• Vaccine efficacy:

  • 90% in preventing shingles

  • 85% in preventing postherpetic neuralgia

• No booster dose currently recommended

⚠️ Contraindications & Precautions

Contraindications

• Severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or vaccine component

Precautions

• Moderate or severe acute illness (delay vaccination)

• Pregnancy (limited data; generally deferred)

🤒 Common Adverse Effects

Very common but self-limited:

• Injection site pain, redness, swelling

• Fatigue

• Fever

  • 🌡️ Fever after Shingrix® (Zoster Vaccine) — How common?

    • About 20–30% of people develop fever (≥38°C)

    • Most fevers are mild to moderate

    • High fever (>39°C) is rare (≈ 1% or less)

  • ⏱️ Timing

    • Usually occurs within 1–3 days after vaccination

    • Resolves on its own within 2–3 days

• Myalgia, headache
  

🧠 Clinical tip: Reactogenicity is common — warn patients in advance.

❌ Older Vaccine (Exam Knowledge)

Live Zoster Vaccine (ZVL – Zostavax®)

• Live attenuated

• Single SC dose

• Contraindicated in immunocompromised

• No longer recommended / discontinued in many countries

📌 High-Yield Exam Summary

• Shingrix = recombinant, non-live

• Dose: 0.5 mL IM

• Schedule: 2 doses (0, 2–6 months)

• Protection: ≥10 years

• No booster needed

• Safe in immunocompromised

🧠 One-line Memory Aid

Zoster vaccine = Shingrix = 2-dose IM recombinant vaccine with long-term protection.