Tommy asked
I am wondering how long the effects from Shingrix last after I get immunized?
Answer
Shingrix is now the preferred vaccine for the prevention of shingles (also known as herpes zoster), replacing the long-used Zostavax vaccine.
While Zostavax was indicated for adults aged 60 years old and over, Shingrix is recommended for adults over 50 years old.
How Long Does Shingrix Last?
The immunity conferred from Shingrix for the prevention of shingles is thought to last longer, and be more effective than the previous shingles vaccine, Zostavax.
The immune response from the shingles vaccine Shingrix is reported to be at least nine years based on the cellular response to the vaccine according to the CDC. However, 'immune response' doesn't necessarily correlate to vaccine effectiveness in terms of preventing episodes of shingles.
Other data indicates that the Shingrix vaccine maintains greater than 90% efficacy at least four years after vaccination according to GlaxoSmithKline, the manufacturer of the vaccine.
In addition, the New England Journal of Medicine has reported that Shingrix maintains around 88% efficacy at least four years after vaccination in patients vaccinated 70 years of age or older.
Additional Information About Shingrix
Check out some of our other articles regarding the new shingles vaccine, Shingrix:
