Who Makes The Shingrix Vaccine

Side Effects Not Requiring Immediate Medical Attention

Some side effects of zoster vaccine, inactivated may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site
• shivering

• general feeling of discomfort or illness
• itching at the injection site

Applies to zoster vaccine, inactivated: intramuscular powder for injection

Does Shingrix Require 2 Shots

Shingrix is an intramuscular injection requiring 2 injections, with the second dose given 2 to 6 months after the first. Zostavax, when it was on the market, was given as a subcutaneous, one-time injection.

Pain due to injection was reported in roughly 54% of patients receiving subcutaneous Zostavax. Injection site pain was reported in 78% of those receiving Shingrix, as expected with an IM injection.

Shingrix Vs Zostavax: Differences Similarities And Which Is Better For You

Drug overview & main differences | Conditions treated | Efficacy | Insurance coverage and cost comparison | Side effects | Drug interactions | Warnings | FAQ

There are currently two vaccines that can be given to prevent herpes zoster, more commonly known as shingles: Shingrix and Zostavax. A shingles vaccine is recommended for adults once they turn 50.

Most people have been infected with the varicella zoster virus if theyve ever had chickenpox. After chickenpox resolves, the varicella zoster virus lies dormant in the body for years, if not forever. Later in life, the virus can reactivate as shingles and cause a painful rash that usually wraps around the face or torso.

Although Shingrix and Zostavax work in similar ways to prevent shingles, there are some important differences between the two.

You May Like: Cvs Tdap Booster

Regulation Of Living Organisms

With acceptance of premarket notification 510 k033391 in January 2004, the FDA granted Dr. Ronald Sherman permission to produce and market medical maggots for use in humans or other animals as a prescription medical device. Medical maggots represent the first living organism allowed by the Food and Drug Administration for production and marketing as a prescription medical device.

In June 2004, the FDA cleared Hirudo medicinalis as the second living organism to be used as a medical device.

The FDA also requires milk to be pasteurized to remove bacteria.

When Should I See A Doctor Because Of The Side Effects I Experience From Shingrix

In clinical trials, Shingrix was not associated with serious adverse events. In fact, serious side effects from vaccines are extremely rare. For example, for every 1 million doses of a vaccine given, only one or two people may have a severe allergic reaction. Signs of an allergic reaction happen within minutes or hours after vaccination and include hives, swelling of the face and throat, difficulty breathing, a fast heartbeat, dizziness, or weakness. If you experience these or any other life-threatening symptoms, see a doctor right away.

Shingrix causes a strong response in your immune system, so it may produce short-term side effects more intense than you are used to from other vaccines. These side effects can be uncomfortable, but they are expected and usually go away on their own in 2 or 3 days.

You May Like: Cvs Tdap

Fda Approves Gsks Shingles Vaccine For Immunocompromised Adults

The vaccine was first approved in the US in 2017 to prevent the disease in individuals aged 50 years or above.

The US Food and Drug Administration has approved GlaxoSmithKlines adjuvanted Zoster vaccine recombinant, Shingrix, to prevent herpes zoster in immunocompromised people aged 18 years and above.

Shingrix consists of the glycoprotein E antigen along with an adjuvant system, AS01B, to produce an immune response specific to the varicella-zoster virus to overcome waning immunity as people grow old.

The non-live vaccine is indicated for people at a higher risk of contracting shingles because of immunodeficiency or immunosuppression due to known disease or treatment.

The approved dosage is two intramuscular shots of the vaccine given two to six months apart.

In 2017, the vaccine received approval in the US and Canada for preventing shingles in adults aged 50 years and above. It also holds approvals in multiple other countries.

GSK Vaccines chief medical officer Thomas Breuer said: Were proud to offer Shingrix in the US for the prevention of shingles in those who are immunocompromised, with FDA granting a broad indication for use in adults at increased risk of this disease.

Older age and being immunocompromised are the most common risk factors for shingles disease.

GSK is committed to this important patient population at increased risk for shingles disease and its complications by bringing them a vaccine option that can help prevent this painful condition.

How Safe Is Shingrix

studies showed that Shingrix was safe and effective.

There have been concerns about ingredients, such as thimerosal, that may be added to vaccines. Thimerosal is a kind of preservative that contains mercury. Its added then taken out of some vaccines to keep other germs and bacteria from growing. The concern arose when early research connected thimerosal to autism. This link has since been found to be false. Shingrix doesnt contain thimerosal.

Read Also: Tdap Shots Cvs

Im Living With Hiv Is It Safe For Me To Get Shingrix

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention hasnt made a recommendation about the use of Shingrix in people living with HIV.

However, one study looked at healthy adults ages 18 and older who were living with HIV and had an HIV dosing schedule that was customized to their needs. These people received the Shingrix vaccine, and the study results did not report any safety issues.

If youre living with HIV, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of getting Shingrix.

Cdc Recommendation For The Shingles Vaccine

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend Shingrix as the preferred vaccine to prevent shingles and other complications from the disease.

The CDC found that Shingrix was more effective than Zostavax. It recommends that you receive Shingrix, even if youve had Zostavax in the past.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to suit your needs.

Recommended Reading: Does Cvs Give Tdap Shots

Is Shingrix Or Zostavax More Effective

Shingrix and Zostavax have both been proven to prevent shingles. However, Shingrix is a newer vaccine that is considered more effective than Zostavax. Shingrix is even recommended for those who have already received the Zostavax vaccine in the past.

Clinical trials have shown that Shingrix is 97% effective at preventing shingles in adults aged 50 to 69 years old. Shingrix is also effective in preventing shingles in older adultsadults over the age of 70, Shingrix is 91% effective.

Zostavax has a 70% efficacy rate in preventing shingles in adults aged 50 to 69 years old, according to the Zoster Efficacy and Safety Trial . Results from the Shingles Prevention Study showed that Zostavax is 51% effective against shingles. Compared to Shingrix, the effectiveness of Zostavax decreases in older age groups. Based on the SPS results, Zostavax is 64% effective in adults aged 60 to 69 years old 41% effective in adults aged 70 to 79 years old and 18% effective in adults aged 80 years and older.

Your healthcare provider will most likely recommend Shingrix over Zostavax. Shingrix is especially recommended for immunocompromised patients since it is a non-live vaccine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about which shingles vaccine is right for you.

White Oak Federal Research Center

Since 1990, the FDA has had employees and facilities on 130 acres of the White Oak Federal Research Center in the White Oak area of Silver Spring, Maryland. In 2001, the General Services Administration began new construction on the campus to consolidate the FDA’s 25 existing operations in the Washington metropolitan area, its headquarters in Rockville, and several fragmented office buildings. The first building, the Life Sciences Laboratory, was dedicated and opened with 104 employees in December 2003. As of December 2018, the FDA campus has a population of 10,987 employees housed in approximately 3,800,000 square feet of space, divided into ten office and four laboratory buildings. The campus houses the Office of the Commissioner , the Office of Regulatory Affairs , the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research , the Center for Devices and Radiological Health , the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research and offices for the Center for Veterinary Medicine .

With the passing of the FDA Reauthorization Act of 2017, the FDA is projecting a 64% increase in employees to 18,000 over the next 15 years, and would like to add approximately 1,600,000 square feet of office and special use space to their existing facilities. The National Capital Planning Commission approved a new master plan for this expansion in December 2018, and construction is expected to be completed by 2035, dependent on GSA appropriations.

Office of Regulatory Affairs

Other locations

You May Like: Does Cvs Do Tdap Shots

Side Effects Of The Shingles Vaccine: Is It Safe

• Outlook

Shingles is a painful rash caused by varicella zoster, the same virus responsible for chickenpox.

If you had chickenpox as a child, the virus hasnt completely gone away. It hides dormant in your body and can reemerge many years later as shingles.

About 1 in 3 people in the United States will develop shingles in their lifetime. This is why vaccination is important. But you should also be prepared for possible side effects. In this article, well discuss the side effects, and talk about who should get the vaccine.

Older adults are most likely to develop shingles. This is why the shingles vaccine is recommended for people ages 50 and older.

Shingrix is the only shingles vaccine approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration .

The Shingrix vaccine is a recombinant vaccine. This means vaccine manufacturers created it by altering and purifying DNA that creates an immune response to fight the virus.

The CDC recommends Shingrix for the prevention of shingles and related complications. The Shingrix vaccine is also recommended for anyone who has already gotten another type of shingles vaccine.

Currently, the CDC recommends healthy people ages 50 and older get the Shingrix vaccine. Doctors administer the vaccine in two doses, which are given 2 to 6 months apart.

The Shingrix vaccine has high success rates in protecting people against shingles.

The Shingrix vaccine is as much as effective in preventing shingles. The same is true for Shingrix and postherpetic neuralgia.

Food And Dietary Supplements

The regulation of food and dietary supplements by the Food and Drug Administration is governed by various statutes enacted by the United States Congress and interpreted by the FDA. Pursuant to the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and accompanying legislation, the FDA has authority to oversee the quality of substances sold as food in the United States, and to monitor claims made in the labeling of both the composition and the health benefits of foods.

The FDA subdivides substances that it regulates as food into various categoriesincluding foods, food additives, added substances , and dietary supplements. Dietary supplements or dietary ingredients include vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, and. enzymes. Specific standards the FDA exercises differ from one category to the next. Furthermore, legislation had granted the FDA a variety of means to address violations of standards for a given substance category.

Under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 , the FDA is responsible for ensuring that manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients meet the current requirements. These manufacturers and distributors are not allowed to advertise their products in an adulterated way, and they are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their product.

“FDA-Approved” vs. “FDA-Accepted in Food Processing”

Don’t Miss: Does Cvs Offer Tdap Shot

Can Shingrix Cause A Rash

Its unlikely that a Shingrix injection will cause a rash. But note that an injection site reaction is different from a shingles rash.

A shingles rash, which is caused by shingles itself, is often painful. It commonly appears as blisters around the torso, neck, or face.

People who received Shingrix in didnt report shingles-like rashes.

However,

The Food and Drug Administration approves vaccines such as Shingrix to prevent certain conditions.

Redness At Injection Site

Redness at and around the injection site is common and may appear immediately or some days after receiving Shingrix. This redness commonly develops due to a localized immune system response, which shouldnt cause further concern.

Arm redness should disappear within a few days after receiving the vaccine. However, if you experience redness with a rash or severe pain, let your doctor know as soon as possible.

You May Like: Cost Of Tdap At Cvs

What Everyone Should Know About The Shingles Vaccine

Shingles vaccination is the only way to protect against shingles and postherpetic neuralgia , the most common complication from shingles. CDC recommends that healthy adults 50 years and older get two doses of the shingles vaccine called Shingrix , separated by 2 to 6 months, to prevent shingles and the complications from the disease. Your doctor or pharmacist can give you Shingrix as a shot in your upper arm.

Shingrix provides strong protection against shingles and PHN. Two doses of Shingrix is more than 90% effective at preventing shingles and PHN. Protection stays above 85% for at least the first four years after you get vaccinated.

Itchy Skin Near The Injection Site

Itchy skin, also called pruritus, can potentially occur near the injection site after receiving Shingrix. Itching, swelling, and redness arent usually a huge cause for concern, as they often occur together as a localized reaction.

Applying Benadryl gel or hydrocortisone cream around the injection area can help reduce itchy, swollen, or red skin. If the itching worsens or spreads away from the injection site, get in touch with your doctor.

Also Check: Can You Get Tdap At Cvs

Vaccines Blood And Tissue Products And Biotechnology

The Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research is the branch of the FDA responsible for ensuring the safety and efficacy of biological therapeutic agents. These include blood and blood products, vaccines, allergenics, cell and tissue-based products, and gene therapy products. New biologics are required to go through a premarket approval process called a Biologics License Application , similar to that for drugs.

The original authority for government regulation of biological products was established by the 1902 Biologics Control Act, with additional authority established by the 1944 Public Health Service Act. Along with these Acts, the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act applies to all biologic products, as well. Originally, the entity responsible for regulation of biological products resided under the National Institutes of Health this authority was transferred to the FDA in 1972.

Who Should Get The Shingles Vaccine

The CDC recommends healthy people who are 50 or older get two doses of Shingrix, which is more than 90 percent effective in preventing shingles, also known as herpes zoster. The excruciating rash is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox and anyone who has ever had chickenpox may develop shingles. There are a million cases of it each year in the U.S. and the risk rises with age.

You can’t develop shingles if you’ve never had chickenpox, but most adults have had the disease. Studies show 99 percent of Americans who are over 40 have had chickenpox, even if they don’t remember it, the CDC noted. The dormant virus may get reactivated when the immune system is weaker during infections or times of stress, for example.

People should get Shingrix even if they’ve received the Zostavax vaccine in the past or have already had shingles, the agency advises.

You should receive the second dose of Shingrix two to six months after you get the first shot and that may mean another round of side-effects. How you reacted to the first dose doesnt necessarily predict how youll react to the second, Dooling said.

Early CDC data shows more than 70 percent of patients are getting that second dose within the recommended six month window.

Recommended Reading: Can You Get A Tdap Shot At Cvs

Does Shingrix Cause Guillain

In March 2021, the FDA required safety label changes for Shingrix warning of the risk for Guillain-Barré Syndrome 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 is a rare disorder in which the bodys immune system damages nerve cells, causing muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis

Related: FDA Requires a Warning about Guillain-Barré Syndrome for Shingrix

This is not all the information you need to know about Shingrix and 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.