Shingrix
Pronunciation: pronunciation varies by local usage.
- Generic name
- zoster vaccine recombinant, adjuvanted
- Brand names
- SHINGRIX
- Drug class
- Non-live recombinant subunit vaccine (varicella zoster virus glycoprotein E antigen with AS01B adjuvant)
- Form
- Two-component kit: single-dose vial of lyophilized antigen and vial of adjuvant suspension, reconstituted before injection
- Route
- Intramuscular injection
- Legal status
- US legal/dispensing classification was not specifically established in the source reviewed for this page; availability and legal status outside the US were not verified in this research pass.
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country:
Australia: · Full directory
What zoster vaccine recombinant, adjuvanted is and how it works
Shingrix is a non-live, recombinant subunit vaccine that contains varicella zoster virus glycoprotein E (gE) antigen and the AS01B adjuvant. It is indicated for prevention of herpes zoster (shingles) in adults aged 50 years and older. (1)
Shingrix is given as two intramuscular injections, with the second dose 2 to 6 months after the first. It is not indicated for prevention of primary varicella infection (chickenpox). Whether it has any role for someone who already has active shingles was not established in the source reviewed for this page; discuss that situation with a clinician.
Mechanism of action: how zoster vaccine recombinant, adjuvanted works
Shingrix is a non-live, recombinant subunit vaccine. It contains varicella zoster virus glycoprotein E (gE) antigen and the AS01B adjuvant. The specific immune mechanism by which this combination reduces shingles risk was not detailed in the source reviewed for this page. (1)
What zoster vaccine recombinant, adjuvanted is used for
Prevention of herpes zoster (shingles) in adults 50 years and older
Shingrix is indicated for prevention of herpes zoster (shingles) in adults aged 50 years and older. It is not indicated for prevention of primary varicella infection (chickenpox). (1)
Before taking zoster vaccine recombinant, adjuvanted
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Tell your vaccination provider if you have a history of severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to any component of the vaccine or after a previous dose of Shingrix, so the provider can determine whether Shingrix is appropriate for you. (all indications) (1)
Tell your clinician about
- Any history of severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a vaccine or any of its components, or after a previous dose of Shingrix.
- Pregnancy status, plans to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
- History of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS).
How to take zoster vaccine recombinant, adjuvanted
- Shingrix is given as two intramuscular injections of 0.5 mL each. The second dose is administered 2 to 6 months after the first dose.
- The vaccine must be reconstituted immediately before administration by combining the lyophilized antigen component with the AS01B adjuvant suspension.
- It is not for intravenous, intradermal, or subcutaneous injection.
- Do not use if the reconstituted vaccine has been frozen or not used within 6 hours after reconstitution.
- Do not alter the dosing schedule or miss the second dose without consulting your vaccination provider.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (1)
Missed dose
Consult your vaccination provider if the second dose is delayed beyond 6 months. The optimal restart or catch-up schedule has not been reviewed in this research pass.
Overdose
Overdose-management data were not established in the source reviewed for this page. If a dosing error occurs (e.g., incorrect volume or an extra dose), seek medical attention promptly and let the clinician you see advise on next steps. (1)
Side effects
Adverse reactions within 7 days post-vaccination were commonly reported. Most resolved within 2-3 days. Reactions were less frequent in adults 70 years and older compared to younger adults.
Injection-site reactions (pain, redness, swelling)
What to notice: Reported within 7 days after vaccination in adults 50 and older: pain (78.0%), redness (38.1%), swelling (25.9%). Most resolved within 2-3 days.
What to do: Specific self-care measures were not established in the source reviewed for this page. Contact your healthcare provider if the reaction worsens or persists. (1)
Muscle pain (myalgia)
What to notice: Reported in 44.7% of adults 50 and older within 7 days after vaccination.
What to do: Specific self-care measures were not established in the source reviewed for this page. Contact your provider if severe or persistent. (1)
Fatigue
What to notice: Reported in 44.5% of adults 50 and older within 7 days after vaccination.
What to do: Specific self-care measures were not established in the source reviewed for this page. Contact your provider if severe or prolonged. (1)
Headache
What to notice: Reported in 37.7% of adults 50 and older within 7 days after vaccination.
What to do: Specific self-care measures were not established in the source reviewed for this page. Contact your provider if severe or persistent. (1)
Shivering or chills
What to notice: Reported in 26.8% of adults 50 and older within 7 days after vaccination.
What to do: Specific self-care measures were not established in the source reviewed for this page. Contact your provider if severe or accompanied by high fever. (1)
Fever
What to notice: Reported in 20.5% of adults 50 and older within 7 days after vaccination.
What to do: Specific self-care measures were not established in the source reviewed for this page. Seek medical attention if fever is high or persistent. (1)
Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
What to notice: The source reviewed for this page establishes anaphylaxis as a possible reaction requiring available treatment and supervision, but does not provide a specific symptom checklist.
What to do: Seek emergency medical attention immediately for any symptom that could suggest a severe allergic reaction after vaccination. (1)
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)
What to notice: The source reviewed establishes an increased risk of GBS during the 42 days following vaccination, but does not provide a specific symptom checklist.
What to do: Contact your healthcare provider promptly if any unusual or concerning neurological symptom develops, especially within 42 days of vaccination. (1)
Serious warnings
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) — warning
Symptoms: An increased risk of GBS was observed during the 42 days following vaccination (approximately 3 excess cases per million doses in adults 65 and older, higher after the first dose than the second). The source reviewed does not provide a specific symptom checklist.
Action: Seek immediate medical attention for any new or unusual neurological symptom, particularly within the 42 days after vaccination. (1)
Anaphylaxis — emergency
Symptoms: The source reviewed establishes anaphylaxis as a possible reaction requiring available treatment and supervision, but does not provide a specific symptom checklist.
Action: Seek emergency medical help immediately for any symptom that could suggest a severe allergic reaction. (1)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Other vaccines or medications | Co-administration-with-other-vaccines data were not reviewed in this research pass. This is an evidence gap, not a statement that no interaction exists. | Tell your provider about all other vaccines or medications recently received, so they can factor this into their own assessment. (1) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
No human data are available. Animal studies in rats showed no evidence of adverse fetal effects. Discuss vaccination timing and any pregnancy-specific considerations with a healthcare professional. (1)
Lactation
It is unknown whether Shingrix is excreted in human breast milk. A risk-benefit assessment should be made by the treating clinician. (1)
Adults 65 years and older
Adverse reactions were reported less frequently in this age group than in younger adults. An increased risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome was observed in this age group (approximately 3 excess cases per million doses). Effectiveness data specific to this age group were not established in the source reviewed for this page. (1)
Monitoring
Before starting
- Confirm the patient's age (50 years or older) and absence of contraindications (severe allergic reaction to any component).
- Review history of previous allergic reactions, especially anaphylaxis, to vaccines.
- Review history of Guillain-Barré syndrome.
- Ensure appropriate medical treatment for anaphylaxis is immediately available.
During treatment
- A specific post-vaccination observation period was not established in the source reviewed for this page; follow current vaccination-provider protocol for observing for immediate allergic reactions.
- Advise on potential common adverse reactions and when to seek medical attention.
- Schedule the second dose at 2 to 6 months.
Storage
Before reconstitution, store both vial components refrigerated between 2-8°C (36-46°F), protected from light; do not freeze. After reconstitution, use immediately or store refrigerated (2-8°C) for up to 6 hours; discard if not used within 6 hours or if the reconstituted vaccine has been frozen.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. Use the current local prescribing information and immunization guidelines.
United States
Indication: Prevention of herpes zoster (shingles) in adults 50 years and older
Dose summary: Two intramuscular injections of 0.5 mL each, second dose administered 2 to 6 months after the first. The vaccine must be reconstituted before use.
Renal context: Renal dosing considerations were not reviewed in this research pass. (1)
Hepatic guidance
Hepatic impairment dosing has not been specifically reviewed.
Overdose note
Overdose-management data were not established in the source reviewed for this page; dosing errors should be managed with prompt medical advice. (1)
Frequently asked questions
Is Shingrix a live vaccine?
No, Shingrix is a non-live, recombinant subunit vaccine — it contains a viral protein component (glycoprotein E) plus an adjuvant, not live virus. Whether this rules out any chance of causing shingles specifically was not stated in the source reviewed for this page; ask your vaccination provider if you have questions. (1)
How many doses do I need? What if I miss the second dose?
You need two doses, with the second dose given 2 to 6 months after the first. If you miss the second dose, consult your healthcare provider for rescheduling. The optimal catch-up schedule has not been fully reviewed in this research pass. (1)
What are the common side effects after Shingrix?
Common side effects include pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site, as well as muscle aches, fatigue, headache, shivering, and fever. These usually resolve within 2 to 3 days. (1)
Can I get Shingrix if I have a weakened immune system?
The safety and effectiveness in immunocompromised adults aged 50 and older have not been specifically reviewed in this research pass. Discuss with your healthcare provider. (1)
What is the mechanism of action of zoster vaccine recombinant, adjuvanted?
Shingrix is a non-live, recombinant subunit vaccine. It contains varicella zoster virus glycoprotein E (gE) antigen and the AS01B adjuvant. The specific immune mechanism by which this combination reduces shingles risk was not detailed in the source reviewed for this page. (1)
What is the generic name of Shingrix?
The generic name is zoster vaccine recombinant, adjuvanted. It is sold under brand names including SHINGRIX. (1)
What class of drug is zoster vaccine recombinant, adjuvanted?
Shingrix is classed as: Non-live recombinant subunit vaccine (varicella zoster virus glycoprotein E antigen with AS01B adjuvant). (1)
References
- SHINGRIX (zoster vaccine recombinant, adjuvanted) — full prescribing informationU.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · United States · dated 2026 · accessed 2026-08-05 · source 1
- SHINGRIX (ZOSTER VACCINE RECOMBINANT, ADJUVANTED) INJECTION, SOLUTION [A-S MEDICATION SOLUTIONS] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 2
- Zoster Vaccine, Recombinant — patient drug information (MedlinePlus)U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
- zoster vaccine recombinant — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 1986820)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient zoster vaccine recombinant, adjuvanted names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.