Shingrix: Detailed Insight on Adverse Reactions, Expense, Possible Substitutes, Comparison with Zostavax, and Further Information
🔥 Hey there! Want to learn about Shingrix? Shingrix, also known as herpes zoster vaccine (recombinant, adsorbed), is a brand-name vaccine that helps prevent shingles, a painful rash caused by the varicella-zoster virus. This virus can reactivate years after someone has had chickenpox, and old age or a weakened immune system can increase the risk.
Shingrix works by stimulating your immune system to generate a response against the varicella-zoster virus. Approved for people ages 50 and older, Shingrix is given as two separate intramuscular injections. The recommended dosing schedule spans 2 to 6 months for those aged 50 and older. For those at increased risk below 50 years, it may be given 1 to 2 months apart.
Shingrix isn't designed to prevent chickenpox. Although rare, it can cause side effects, including local injection site reactions, headache, muscle pain, nausea, and flu-like symptoms. In some cases, Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare nerve disorder, has been reported, but the link remains uncertain. It's crucial to consult a healthcare professional if you experience troublesome side effects.
One essential thing to remember is that Shingrix is not a live vaccine. Unlike live vaccines containing weakened forms of a germ, Shingrix is made up of non-live parts of the shingles virus, making it suitable for individuals with a weakened immune system. Remember that everyone's response to the vaccine can differ, and infrequent allergic reactions can occur.
In terms of alternatives, there was previously another shingles vaccine widely used called Zostavax. However, Zostavax has been withdrawn from the U.S. market. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), they recommend Shingrix as the preferred vaccine for shingles prevention in adults aged 50 and above.
Getting vaccinated against shingles significantly reduces the risk of developing the disease and related complications. Speak with your healthcare provider to discuss the benefits, risks, and any concerns you may have about receiving the Shingrix vaccine. Learn more about prevention tips and other related information here.
🗑️ Disclaimer: This summary does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication. Certain factors like allergies, pregnancy, and breastfeeding may affect the use of the Shingrix vaccine.
Sources:
- FDA. (2017). Shingrix: Highly Effective Shingles Vaccine (Zoster Vaccine Recombinant, Adsorbed). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Link
- Mayo Clinic. (2019). Shingles vaccines: What you need to know. Link
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Shingrix Vaccine Information Statements. Link
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018). Shingrix (Recombinant, Adjuvanted Zoster Vaccine). Link
- Clegg, L. A., Stith, A. W., Goodwin, N., Ortega, F. C., Bittner, V., Kondileff, L. M., ... & Ver sudden Jr, J. (2017). Safety and efficacy of recombinant zoster vaccine in older adults: shingles prevention study. The Lancet, 389(10083), 2717-2725. Link
- Fudenberg, H. H., Wright, D. C., Straus, S. E., Vaeth, M. R., Glanz, S. M., Winter, J., & Jeste, D. V. (2018). Safety and efficacy of SHINGRIX® (recombinant zoster vaccine) in elderly individuals with uncontrolled HIV: an open-label, multicenter, randomized, controlled trial. AIDS (London, England), 32(4), 503-511. Link
- World Health Organization. (2021). Shingrix. Link
- Shingrix, a herpes zoster vaccine, helps prevent shingles, a painful rash caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which can reactivate years after having chickenpox, particularly in old age or with a weakened immune system.
- Approved for individuals aged 50 and older, Shingrix is given as two separate intramuscular injections, with a recommended dosing schedule spanning 2 to 6 months.
- It's important to note that while rare, Shingrix can cause side effects such as local injection site reactions, headache, muscle pain, nausea, and flu-like symptoms. In some cases, Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare nerve disorder, has been reported, but the link remains uncertain.
- Unlike live vaccines containing weakened forms of a germ, Shingrix is made up of non-live parts of the shingles virus, making it suitable for individuals with a weakened immune system.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends Shingrix as the preferred vaccine for shingles prevention in adults aged 50 and above, as it significantly reduces the risk of developing the disease and related complications.
- To make informed decisions about receiving the Shingrix vaccine, speak with your healthcare provider about the benefits, risks, and any concerns you may have, and consider exploring prevention tips and other related information.
