Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsRecommendationsDosing ScheduleEfficacySide EffectsCost
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Recommendations
Dosing Schedule
Efficacy
Side Effects
Cost
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a Shingrix vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect against shingles, as well as a serious complication of shingles calledpostherpetic neuralgia (PHN).
Luis Alvarez / Getty Images
Who Should Get Shingrix?
According to the CDC, Shingrix is advised for adults who:
Adult Vaccinations: Which Ones Are Recommended?
Who Should Not Get Shingrix?
Those who should not get a Shingrix vaccine include those who:
Can I Get the Shingrix Vaccine If I Am Younger Than 50 Years Old?Anyone younger than 50, who would be considered for the vaccine—such as those with recurrent shingles outbreaks—must consult with a healthcare provider.
Can I Get the Shingrix Vaccine If I Am Younger Than 50 Years Old?
Anyone younger than 50, who would be considered for the vaccine—such as those with recurrent shingles outbreaks—must consult with a healthcare provider.
Warnings and Precautions
In 2021, the FDA issued a new warning about a possible association between the Shingrix vaccine and a very rare neuro autoimmune disorder calledGuillain-Barre syndrome(GBS).GBS is a condition involving damage to peripheral nerves.
The FDA further reported, however, that there was insufficient evidence to establish a definitive link between the vaccine and GBS, assuring the public that the benefits of the vaccine continue to outweigh any risks and that the vaccine is still safe and effective.
How Well Does Shingrix Work?
According to the CDC, two dosages of the Shingrix vaccine are over 90% effective at preventing shingles in those aged 50 or older. Shingrix is more than 90% effective at preventingPHN.Among people 70 years and older, protection was 85% effective four years after vaccination.
Side effects or adverse reactions are those that are unintended and are linked with a specific medication (such as Shingrix).
In clinical research trials, Shingrix was not found to cause any serious side effects. In fact, according to the Department of Health and Human Services, side effects from vaccines are normally mild and go away quickly, without medical intervention.
That said, adverse reactions associated with Shingrix can be significant, and include:
Side effects of Shingrix are usually temporary. In some people, the side effects impact the ability to perform simple activities for up to three days after vaccination.
Note, for mild reactions to the Shingrix vaccine (such as muscle pain), many people take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Serious Side Effects
As with any other medication, serious side effects of Shingrix may include a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms of an allergic reaction (called anaphylaxis) include:
Symptoms of anaphylaxis are serious; they may be life-threatening without immediate medical intervention. If you have any symptoms of a severe allergic reaction after a Shingrix vaccination, seek immediate emergency medical care.
Reporting Adverse Reactions
The qualifying criteria for the GSK Patient Assistance Program include that a person:
Download your vaccination assistance application form at gskforyou.com.
A Word From Verywell
The Shingrix vaccine is available at some pharmacies that administer vaccines, as well as at your healthcare provider’s office. If you have questions or concerns about the vaccine, contact your healthcare provider.
7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Shingrix.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What everyone should know about the shingles vaccine (Shingrix).Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What everyone should know about Zostavax.Immunization Action Coalition.Zoster (shingles).U.S Food and Drug Administration.FDA requires a warning about Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) be included in the prescribing information for Shingrix.U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.Vaccine side effects.GSK.Vaccines and GSK patient assistance program.
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Shingrix.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What everyone should know about the shingles vaccine (Shingrix).Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What everyone should know about Zostavax.Immunization Action Coalition.Zoster (shingles).U.S Food and Drug Administration.FDA requires a warning about Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) be included in the prescribing information for Shingrix.U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.Vaccine side effects.GSK.Vaccines and GSK patient assistance program.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Shingrix.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What everyone should know about the shingles vaccine (Shingrix).Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What everyone should know about Zostavax.Immunization Action Coalition.Zoster (shingles).U.S Food and Drug Administration.FDA requires a warning about Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) be included in the prescribing information for Shingrix.U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.Vaccine side effects.GSK.Vaccines and GSK patient assistance program.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Shingrix.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What everyone should know about the shingles vaccine (Shingrix).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What everyone should know about Zostavax.
Immunization Action Coalition.Zoster (shingles).
U.S Food and Drug Administration.FDA requires a warning about Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) be included in the prescribing information for Shingrix.
U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.Vaccine side effects.
GSK.Vaccines and GSK patient assistance program.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
