Message from CDC

In October 2017, a new shingles vaccine called Shingrix (recombinant zoster vaccine) was recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) as preferred over Zostavax (zoster vaccine live), a shingles vaccine in use since 2006. Adults 50 years and older should get two doses of Shingrix, 2 to 6 months apart. The new vaccine is more than 90% effective at preventing shingles and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). 

The National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at CDC has developed communication products and resources regarding the new shingles vaccine recommendations. In addition, APhA has developed additional guidance material.

For providers:

• Website: Shingles vaccine information for healthcare professionals

• COCA Call: Recommendations for the Use of Herpes Zoster Vaccines

• Medscape Video: Everything You Need to Know About Shingrix

• Fact sheet for healthcare providers: Protect your patients with the new shingles vaccine
• Infographic: You Call The Shots – Intramuscular Shingrix vaccination

• MMWR about the new ACIP shingles vaccine recommendations: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices for Use of Herpes Zoster Vaccines

• MMWR about recent administration errors with the new shingles vaccine: Notes from the Field: Vaccine Administration Errors Involving Recombinant Zoster Vaccine — United States, 2017–2018

• Vaccine Supply:  https://www.pharmacist.com/article/cdc-reports-shingrix-order-limits-shipping-delays

• APhA – “Focus on Herpes-zoster”: https://www.pharmacist.com/focus-herpes-zoster

For patients:

• Fact sheet for adults: Get the new shingles vaccine if you are 50 or older