Shingrix vs Zostavax - What's the difference between them?

Q: Shingrix vs Zostavax - What's the difference between them?

Shingrix is more effective at preventing shingles than Zostavax (overall, 97.2% vs. 51%, respectively). Shingrix is especially effective in patients over 80 years of age. Zostavax is no longer available on the US market.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

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). Zostavax, a shingles vaccine made by Merck & Co, is no longer available on the U.S. market.

Shingrix is used to prevent shingles in people age 50 and older, including people who previously received a live zoster vaccine (Zostavax).

Shingrix is also used in adults 18 years and older at increased risk of shingles due to immunodeficiency or immunosuppression caused by known disease or therapy.

Herpes zoster is caused by the same virus (varicella) that causes chickenpox. When this virus becomes active again in an adult, it can cause herpes zoster (shingles). Shingles can lead to painful lesions on the skin that may persist as nerve pain (post-herpetic neuralgia).

In placebo-controlled studies, Shingrix (zoster vaccine recombinant, adjuvanted) reduced the risk of developing shingles by 97.2% in subjects 50 years and older. Zostavax (zoster vaccine live) reduced the risk of developing shingles by 51% in those 60 years years old.

Shingrix reduced the risk of shingles in 97.9% of patients 70 years and older, while Zostavax protected against shingles in 41% of subjects aged 70 to 79 years.

Zostavax was only 18% effective in preventing shingles in patients 80 years and older.

Shingrix is a recombinant, non-live vaccine, while Zostavax was a live, attenuated vaccine. Live virus vaccines aren't usually recommended in immunocompromised patients.

Which is better - Shingrix or Zostavax?

Due to greater effectiveness, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended Shingrix vaccine over Zostavax for herpes zoster (shingles) prevention. They also suggest those who received Zostavax in the past should be revaccinated with Shingrix for greater protection.

Zostavax was removed from the U.S. market in November 2020.

Does Shingrix require 2 shots?

Shingrix is an intramuscular (IM) injection requiring 2 injections, with the second dose given 2 to 6 months after the first. In those who are immunodeficient or immunosuppressed and require a shorter vaccination schedule, the second dose can be administered 1 to 2 months after the first dose.

Temporary injection site pain was reported in 78% of those receiving Shingrix, as expected with an intramuscular (IM) injection.

Does Shingrix cause Guillain-Barré Syndrome?

In March 2021, the FDA required safety label changes for Shingrix warning of the risk for Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) following administration of Shingrix. In an observational study, an increased risk of GBS was found during the 42 days following vaccination with Shingrix. The FDA has not determined if the cause of GBS was due to Shingrix, only that there was an association.

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare disorder in which the body’s immune system damages nerve cells, causing muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis

This is not all the information you need to know about Shingrix or Zostavax for safe and effective use and does not take the place of talking to your doctor about your treatment. Review the full product information, and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.