Can You Get Shingles In-Between Doses Of Shingrix?
Although your risk may be lessened, is possible to get shingles in-between doses of Shingrix.
Answered By: Dr. Brian Staiger Pharm.D
Dec 07, 2018
Marie asked
I had shingles in October 2017. I had the first Shingrix shot in October 2018. In December 2018. I have been diagnosed once again with shingles lesions on my back! I am taking anti-viral meds for the week. Why do I have shingles again? Should I get the second Shingrix dose in March as planned? What are my chances of again getting shingles?
At a glance
It is possible to experience an episode of shingles between dose one and two of the Shingrix vaccine. Although your risk is most likely decreased after your first shot, the incidence rate is unknown.
Studies show a significant immune response after the first dose of Shingrix and an ever greater response after dose two. However, it is unknown how much only one dose reduces the risk of shingles.
The second dose of Shingrix is recommended even if you experience an episode of shingles in-between dose one and dose two. The current episode needs to be cleared first however.
Dr. Brian Staiger is a licensed pharmacist in New York State and the founder of the Q+A website PharmacistAnswers.com. He graduated from the University At Buffalo with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 2010.
He has been featured in numerous publications including the Huffington Post as well as a variety of health and pharmacy-related blogs.
Please feel free to reach out to him directly if you have any inquiries or want to connect! He's answered thousands of medication and pharmacy-related questions and he's ready to answer yours!