How many years does a shingles vaccine last?

Asked by: Prof. Donny Hudson  |  Last update: September 16, 2023
Score: 4.3/5 (48 votes)

How long does the vaccine last? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , Shringrix offers strong protection against shingles for at least 7 years after a person receives the vaccination.

How often do you need to get the shingles vaccine?

A new shingles vaccine called Shingrix was licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017. CDC recommends that healthy adults 50 years and older get two doses of Shingrix, 2 to 6 months apart.

Do I need another shingles vaccine after 5 years?

Protection from shingles vaccine lasts about 5 years. While the vaccine was most effective in people 60 through 69 years old, it also provides some protection for people 70 years old and older.

How many years is the shingles vaccine effective?

The shingles vaccine has been found to be effective for up to 10 years after it's given. Since the protection lasts so long, it's unlikely that we'll ever need shingles booster shots. Ask your provider if you're eligible for a shingles vaccine. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

How long can you keep Shingrix vaccine?

After reconstitution, administer SHINGRIX immediately or store refrigerated between 2° and 8°C (36° and 46°F) and use within 6 hours. Discard reconstituted vaccine if not used within 6 hours.

Expert Insights: Should I Get the Shingles Vaccine?

35 related questions found

Should I get the new shingles vaccine if I had the old one?

You should get Shingrix even if in the past you: Had shingles. Received Zostavax*

Does Shingrix need to be repeated?

Shingrix Dosage and Schedule

If more than 6 months have elapsed since the first dose of Shingrix, you should administer the second dose as soon as possible. However, you do not need to restart the vaccine series.

Can you get COVID booster and shingles vaccine at same time?

Yes. You can get a COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccinations like a flu or shingles vaccine at the same time or close together, according to the CDC.

Does Shingrix have long term side effects?

Shingrix isn't known to cause long-term side effects to occur. Side effects of Shingrix that were reported in clinical trials were short term. In fact, most side effects from this vaccine only lasted between 2 and 3 days before easing.

Why was Zostavax discontinued?

One side effect of Zostavax that cannot be ignored is the potential to cause death, which is why it was ultimately discontinued. Other side effects it can cause are blindness, chickenpox, nerve damage, and paralysis.

What is the difference between the old and new shingles vaccine?

Unlike the other vaccine that's been available for shingles since 2006, called Zostavax, this new vaccine is inactivated. That means it does not contain a live virus. Because of that, it is safe in people who have weakened immune systems.

Is Shingrix given every 5 years?

The effects of the Shingrix vaccine last for at least four years in most people and may last even longer in some. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you do not need a booster dose after getting the two doses of Shingrix.

Should an 80 year old get the shingles vaccine?

Healthy adults age 50 and older should get vaccinated with the shingles vaccine, Shingrix, which is given in two doses.

What triggers a shingles outbreak?

Shingles is caused when the chickenpox virus is reactivated. After a person has had chickenpox, the virus lies dormant in certain nerves for many years. Shingles is more common in people with weakened immune systems, and in people over the age of 50.

How many times can you get shingles?

Once a person has chickenpox, the virus stays in their body. The virus can reactivate later in life and cause shingles. Most people who develop shingles only have it one time during their life. However, you can have shingles more than once.

What are the disadvantages of shingles vaccine?

Like all vaccines, the shingles vaccines (Zostavax and Shingrix) can cause side effects, but they're generally mild and do not last long. Common side effects that occur in at least 1 in 10 people are: headache. redness, pain, swelling, itching and warmth at the injection site.

What are the negative effects of shingles vaccine?

The most common side effects of SHINGRIX are:

Pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site. Muscle pain. Tiredness. Headache.

What medications to avoid after shingles vaccine?

Some products that may interact with this vaccine include: drugs that weaken the immune system (including cyclosporine, tacrolimus, cancer chemotherapy, corticosteroids such as prednisone), certain antiviral drugs (such as acyclovir, famciclovir, valacyclovir).

How did I get shingles if I never had chickenpox?

People cannot get shingles without having recovered from chickenpox. The reactivation of VZV in a person's body causes shingles. There is also a low risk of a person developing shingles after having direct contact with a shingles rash. The chickenpox virus is more likely to spread VZV to others than shingles.

How much does the Shingrix vaccine cost?

As of January 2023, manufacturer GSK reports the list price for the Shingrix vaccine as $366.82 or $183.41 per dose. If you don't have health insurance, your pharmacy may charge more than the list price for the vaccine. According to GoodRx, the average retail price per dose of Shingrix is about $213.

How often should seniors get the Shingrix vaccine?

Your risk of shingles and complications increases as you age. You need 2 doses of Shingrix. Get the second dose 2 to 6 months after you get the first dose.

What are the side effects of the Shingrix vaccine in 2023?

If the new shingles vaccine made you feel worse than you expected, you're not alone. Skin rash, joint pain, flu-like symptoms, headaches and fatigue are some complaints from patients who've had the recently approved Shingrix vaccine.

Is Shingrix free for over 70?

SHINGRIX IS NOW $0 FOR ALMOST EVERYONE*

Patients typically pay no out-of-pocket costs per dose. All Medicare Part D patients pay an out-of-pocket cost of $0 per dose.

How often should you get a pneumonia shot after age 65?

If you get pneumococcal vaccines for the first time at 65 or older, you will need two shots, one year apart. If you've had only one pneumococcal vaccine in your lifetime, you may now need an additional shot. If you had the pneumococcal vaccine before you were 65, you may now need one or two additional shots.