Generic name:zoster vaccine (inactivated) [ ZOS-ter-VAX-een ]
Drug class:Viral vaccines
What is Shingrix?
Shingrix is a vaccine used for the prevention of herpes zoster. Herpes zoster is caused by the same virus (varicella) that causes chickenpox in children. When this virus becomes active again, it can cause herpes zoster, or shingles. Shingrix helps prevent shingles.
Shingrix works by exposing you to a small dose of inactive virus, which causes the body to develop immunity to the disease. This vaccine will not treat an active infection that has already developed in the body.
Shingrix is used to prevent herpes zoster virus (shingles):
in people age 50 and older, including people who previously received a live zoster vaccine (Zostavax); and
in people 18 years and older at increased risk of herpes zoster virus (shingles) due due to immunodeficiency or immunosuppression caused by known disease or therapy.
Shingrix will not treat chickenpox, shingles, or nerve pain caused by shingles (post-herpetic neuralgia).
Warnings
You should not receive Shingrix if you have ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to inactivated zoster virus vaccine.
You should not receive the second shot if you had a life-threatening allergic reaction to a zoster vaccinea after the first shot.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any vaccine.
It is not known whether zoster vaccine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.
It may not be safe to breast-feed a baby shortly after you receive Shingrix. Ask your doctor about any risks.
