Little One asked
I have had shingles several times. My doctor says that I am allergic to the vaccine for shingles. What are the ingredients in Shingrix vaccine? I do have a list of all the antibiotics I am allergic to...
At a glance
- Shingrix, the recommended vaccine for the prevention of shingles, does not contain any antibiotics. Zostavax, on the other hand, contains neomycin.
Answer
There are currently two FDA-approved vaccines for the prevention of herpes zoster, also known as shingles:
- Shingrix (manufactured by GSK)
- Zostavax (manufactured by Merck)
The recommended vaccine by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is Shingrix. Studies have shown that Shingrix is more effective in preventing episodes of shingles than Zostavax.
We've written a number of articles regarding the differences between Shingrix and Zostavax, one of which can be found here:
Even though Zostavax isn't the recommended vaccine, it is still available and is an option for those that may be allergic to any component of Shingrix...which brings us to your question regarding antibiotics in these vaccines.
Zostavax does contain the antibiotic neomycin. Shingrix does not contain neomycin. In fact, it doesn't contain any antibiotics.
Antibiotics In Shingles Vaccines
As stated, Zostavax contains neomycin.
The prescribing information for the drug even warns against the use of the vaccine in those with a known anaphylactic reaction history to neomycin:
References
- Zostavax Prescribing Information. Merck
- Preventing and Managing Adverse Reactions. CDC
- Ask The Experts. Immunize.org
- Shingrix Prescribing Information. GSKPro
