Why is Shingrix better?

Asked by: Beulah Smitham DDS  |  Last update: August 28, 2023
Score: 4.3/5 (54 votes)

The main difference is that Shingrix is more effective at preventing shingles (herpes zoster virus) than Zostavax (overall: 97.2% vs. 51%, respectively). Shingrix is an FDA-approved vaccine to help prevent the occurrence of herpes zoster (shingles).

Why is Shingrix better than Zostavax?

As mentioned earlier, the former is 90% effective at preventing shingles, while the latter only offers 70% protection in the comparable age group. Zostavax efficacy also reduces with time and as an individual gets older. At 70 years and over, Shingrix will provide 89% protection, while Zostavax offers 41%.

Why is Shingrix recommended?

Two doses of Shingrix provide strong protection against shingles and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), the most common complication of shingles. In adults 50 to 69 years old with healthy immune systems, Shingrix was 97% effective in preventing shingles; in adults 70 years and older, Shingrix was 91% effective.

Do most doctors recommend Shingrix?

Shingrix is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for adults age 50 and older for the prevention of shingles and related complications, whether they've already had shingles or not.

Why is the new shingles vaccine better than the old one?

The vaccine also contains molecules that make the body's immune response stronger and last longer. For these reasons, Shingrix provides better and longer-lasting protection against both shingles and PHN than the older vaccine, Zostavax.

What You Should Know About Shingles Vaccines | Johns Hopkins Medicine

39 related questions found

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.

Who should avoid Shingrix?

Who Should Not Get Shingrix. People with a history of severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to any component of the vaccine or after a previous dose of Shingrix. People who currently have shingles, and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, should wait to get Shingrix.

What percentage of people have Shingrix side effects?

Side Effects and Counseling for Reactogenicity

Also, about 1 out of 10 reported grade 3 systemic reactions such as myalgia, fatigue, headache, shivering, fever, and gastrointestinal illness. Most people (78%) who got Shingrix reported at least some pain at the injection site.

What is the FDA warning on Shingrix?

In a postmarketing observational study, an increased risk of GBS was observed during the 42 days following vaccination with SHINGRIX [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)]. Syncope (fainting) can be associated with the administration of injectable vaccines, including Page 5 4 SHINGRIX.

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.

Should I get shingles vaccine or not?

CDC recommends two doses of recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV, Shingrix) to prevent shingles and related complications in adults 50 years and older. Shingrix is also recommended for adults 19 years and older who have weakened immune systems because of disease or therapy.

How long does Shingrix coverage last?

Key Takeaways. New data shows that the Shingrix vaccine is 89% effective at preventing shingles in older people for at least 10 years following the two-dose administration. Previous studies had shown the shingles vaccine offered protection for up to seven years.

Why is Shingrix so expensive?

Only one pharmaceutical company—Merck—makes the shingles shot, and there's currently no generic version. That means if you haven't met your annual deductible, you'll likely wind up paying full price for the shot, which is about $217.

Are the side effects of the second Shingrix shot as bad as the first?

Shingrix is administered in two doses, usually two to six months apart. Shingrix is safe and effective for most people. Side effects from the second dose of Shingrix are somewhat more common than the first dose, although that's not always the case. Most side effects of Shingrix are mild and resolve on their own.

What are the chances of getting shingles after Shingrix vaccine?

The vaccines have been shown to reduce the risk of getting shingles by 50% for Zostavax® II, and to more than 90% for Shingrix®. For those who still get shingles after being immunized, the vaccines can reduce pain, including the type of pain that lasts after shingles.

Has anyone gotten shingles from Shingrix?

Can the Shingrix vaccine cause shingles? No. Shingrix contains only a small part of the varicella zoster virus that causes shingles. Shingrix does not contain any live varicella zoster virus.

Is Shingrix 90% effective?

Shingrix is more than 90% effective at preventing shingles and long-term nerve pain. You may experience some short-term side effects because Shingrix causes a strong response in your immune system. After getting Shingrix: Most people had a sore arm.

Why patients aren t getting the shingles vaccine?

As a vaccine with a small amount of live herpes virus present, Zostavax is contraindicated for people with weakened immune systems, which may have limited the number of seniors who could receive it. It also requires freezer storage, another reason most doctors don't stock it, says Dr. Schaffner.

Can Shingrix cause autoimmune disease?

Together, through the process of molecular mimicry and strong induction of the immune response, Shingrix may cause or exasperate autoimmune etiology.

What medications should be avoided before 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).

Is there a class action suit against Shingrix?

What is the Shingrix vaccine lawsuit? The Shingrix vaccine lawsuit is a class-action lawsuit filed against GSK by patients who claim that the vaccine caused them to develop serious side effects, including nerve damage, chronic pain, and other neurological problems.

Does shingles vaccine affect liver?

Zostavax Side Effects. Merck's shingles vaccine is recommended for adults ages 60 years and older, but it may cause them serious harm. Lawsuits allege the Zostavax vaccine caused shingles, eye disorders, liver failure, and even death. Contact us for a free legal consultation.

Which vaccine is better Shingrix or Zostavax?

Official answer. The main difference is that Shingrix is more effective at preventing shingles (herpes zoster virus) than Zostavax (overall: 97.2% vs. 51%, respectively). Shingrix is an FDA-approved vaccine to help prevent the occurrence of herpes zoster (shingles).