What's the Deal with Shingrix?
Vaccine Analysis: Side Effects, Pricing, Competitors, Comparison with Zostavax, and Additional Information on Shingrix
Shingrix, mate, it's a vaccine that helps protect ya from shingles, otherwise known as herpes zoster. Ain't nobody got time for that shit! Shingrix is approved for use in folks:
- 50 years or older
- With an increased risk of shingles (like those with a weakened immune system)
It ain't used to prevent chickenpox (varicella), so keep that in mind! This bad boy is given as an intramuscular injection, usually in the ol' arm. You gotta get two separate doses, so be prepared!
A healthcare professional will give you the shots, either at your doc's office or a pharmacy. Shingrix is a recombinant vaccine, which means it's made up of pieces of the shingles virus.
FDA Approval
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave Shingrix the green light in 2017. Nice one!
Effectiveness
Wanna know about the effectiveness of Shingrix? Check out the "Shingrix Uses" section below.
Shingrix Side Effects
Shingrix can cause some wild side effects, from mild to severe. Here are a few key side effects ya might experience:
- Pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site*
- Headache*
- Muscle pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Upset stomach
- Dizziness or fainting
- Flu-like symptoms, like fever, shivering, or tiredness
Note: You should talk to your doctor or pharmacist if these side effects don't go away or are more severe.
Shingrix Side Effect Details
These side effects don't always happen to everyone, but here are a few specifics on some side effects ya might experience:
- Injection site reactions: You might have discomfort in the area where ya got the vaccine, with symptoms like redness, swelling, itching, or a rash.
- Headaches: In some studies, people who received Shingrix did have headaches, especially after the second dose. These headaches usually go away within 2 to 3 days.
- Allergic reactions: As with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction after getting Shingrix. Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include skin rashes, itchiness, or flushing. A more severe allergic reaction (which is rare) can cause symptoms like angioedema, swelling of the tongue, mouth, or throat, difficulty breathing, or low blood pressure. Call your doc immediately if ya experience a severe allergic reaction!
Shingrix Cost
Vaccine prices can vary depending on your insurance and where ya get it. There are financial and insurance assistance programs available if ya need 'em. Check out the "Shingrix Cost" section below for more info.
Shingrix is NOT a Live Vaccine
A live vaccine has a weakened form of a virus. Shingrix ain't one of those. It's an inactive vaccine, made from parts of the shingles virus that have been killed. Cause ya know, no one wants a live virus runnin' through their body!
Alternatives to Shingrix
There used to be another shingles vaccine, called Zostavax. But that one ain't in use anymore.
Shingrix Uses
Shingrix is approved to help prevent shingles in adults. Check out the "How Shingrix Works" section below for more details on how it does its thing.
Shingrix vs. Zostavax
Zostavax was another shingles vaccine, but it's no longer available. Here are a few differences between Shingrix and Zostavax:
- Approval: Shingrix is approved for use in folks ages 50 and up, whereas Zostavax was only approved for those 50 and older.
- Live vs. Non-live: Shingrix is a non-live vaccine, meaning it contains a dead virus. Zostavax, on the other hand, was a live vaccine.
- CDC Recommendation: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends Shingrix as the preferred shingles vaccine, cause it's more effective. Ya should still get the Shingrix vaccine even if ya got the Zostavax one in the past.
Shingrix Dosage
Shingrix is given as two 0.5-mL injections in the arm. You'll get the vaccine at your doctor's office or a pharmacy.
Shingrix Dosing Schedule
For those 50 years or older, ya gotta get two shots, with the second dose given 2 to 6 months after the first. For folks with an increased risk of shingles who are 18 or older, the second dose may be given 1 to 2 months after the first.
What if I Wait Too Long for the Second Shingrix Dose?
If it's been more than 6 months since ya got your first dose, ya should get the second one as soon as possible. Ya don't have to start over. If ya get the second dose within 4 weeks of the first, it doesn't count. Ya should wait at least a month between doses, per ya doctor's instructions.
Alcohol and Shingrix
There aren't any specific warnings or guidelines about drinking alcohol and Shingrix. If ya got concerns, chat with your doc.
Shingrix Interactions
Shingrix can interact with some other medications. Make sure ya tell ya doc and pharmacist about all the drugs, vitamins, herbs, and supplements ya take, so ya can avoid potential interactions.
Shingrix and Breastfeeding
There haven't been enough studies to show whether Shingrix appears in breast milk. It's best to wait until ya finish breastfeeding before ya get the vaccine.
Shingrix Warnings
Before ya get the shot, tell ya doc 'bout any medical conditions ya have, especially allergies to vaccines. Some people with weakened immune systems or severe allergic reactions might need extra treatment or supervision when getting Shingrix.
Shingrix and Pregnancy
There haven't been any studies in humans to know if Shingrix is safe during pregnancy. It's recommended to wait until after ya have the baby to get the vaccination.
Fighting Shingrix Fears
There have been some concerns about ingredients in vaccines, like thimerosal (a preservative that contains mercury). But Shingrix don't contain thimerosal.
Can I Get Shingrix with an Egg Allergy?
Yes! Shingrix ain't got no egg protein, so folks with egg allergies can still get the vaccine.
Can I Get Shingrix if I Have Shingles or Had Shingles Before?
Nah, you shouldn't get Shingrix if ya currently have shingles. It's best to wait until the rashes go away. But if ya had shingles before, ya can still get the vaccine. It might help you avoid future shingles infections.
Can I Get Shingrix if I Never Had Chickenpox?
If ya can't recall whether ya had chickenpox (varicella), ya might need to be screened depending on your age. In general, folks born in the U.S. before 1980 are assumed to have been exposed to chickenpox. So ya might be able to get Shingrix if ya don't remember or aren't sure if ya had chickenpox.
Can Shingrix Cause a Rash?
It's unlikely that ya will get a rash from the Shingrix injection. Shingrix rashes are different from shingles rashes, which are caused by shingles itself. A shingles rash typically appears as blisters around the torso, neck, or face and can be quite painful. In studies of Shingrix, folks didn't report getting shingles-like rashes. But some people who got the earlier shingles vaccine, Zostavax, did report shingles-like rashes.
Shingrix for Prevention of Shingles
Shingrix is used to prevent shingles in adults. It's been found to be effective in reducing the risk of shingles in clinical studies. Check out the "Shingrix Uses" section above for more info.
How Shingrix Works
When ya get the Shingrix vaccine, your body creates special proteins called antibodies. These antibodies help fight off the shingles virus and also remember it, making it easier for your body to fight off future infections.
When Does Shingrix Start Working?
It takes time for your body to make enough antibodies to protect you from shingles. The timing can vary from person to person. In general, ya should be protected after ya get the second dose of the vaccine.
Wanna learn more about Shingrix, chickenpox, or shingles? Check out these resources for more info!
- Shingrix, a vaccine for shingles, is approved for use in individuals aged 50 and above, as well as those with weakened immune systems who are 18 and older.
- The vaccine is given as intramuscular injections in two separate doses, usually in the arm.
- Shingrix is made up of pieces of the shingles virus and is not intended to prevent chickenpox.
- Side effects of Shingrix can include pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site, headache, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach, dizziness or fainting, and flu-like symptoms such as fever, shivering, or tiredness.
- A healthcare professional will give the shots, either at a doctor's office or a pharmacy.
- Other healthcare topics related to Shingrix include health and wellness, mental health, fitness and exercise, skin care, nutrition, chronic diseases, cancer, medical conditions, FDA approval, alternatives to Shingrix, Shingrix dosage, potential interactions, and warnings for pregnancy and breastfeeding.
