This article describes Shingrix’s dosages and strength and gives details on how it’s given. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for Shingrix. If you want to know more about Shingrix, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Shingrix is a brand-name vaccine that comes as a suspension (a type of liquid mixture) that’s injected into the muscle of your upper arm. It isn’t available in a generic version. This article describes dosages of Shingrix.
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Form and strength of Shingrix
Shingrix comes as follows:
- Form: suspension that’s injected into a muscle
- Strength: 0.5 milliliters (mL), which is one dose
Dosage of Shingrix
This article describes the recommended dosages for Shingrix. The drugmaker provides these dosages. In some cases, doctors may adjust your doses from those shown below.
Usual recommended dosages of Shingrix in adults
Doctors prescribe the Shingrix vaccine to help prevent shingles (herpes zoster). It’s recommended for:
- adults ages 50 years and older
- adults ages 18 years and older who may be at higher risk of shingles due to a weakened immune system
Dose schedule for shingles
Shingrix is given as a two-dose series. A healthcare professional will inject Shingrix into the muscle in your upper arm. The Shingrix dose schedule depends on your age.
The recommended Shingrix dosing schedule for adults ages 50 years and older is:
- First dose: 0.5 mL, given once
- Second dose: 0.5 mL, given once 2–6 months after the first dose
The recommended Shingrix dosing schedule for adults ages 18 years and older with an increased risk of shingles is:
- First dose: 0.5 mL, given once
- Second dose: 0.5 mL, given once 1–2 months after the first dose
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Shingrix and its dosage.
What happens if you don’t get the second Shingrix shot?
You may have some immunity against shingles if you get only one dose of Shingrix. But your immunity will be stronger if you get both shots.
A 2024 study found the vaccine’s effectiveness was 64% after one dose, and another study found the effectiveness of the vaccine after two doses was 97%.
Also, if you only receive the first dose of Shingrix, you’ll be less protected against shingles over time than if you received both doses.
For adults ages 50 years and older, doctors typically recommend getting the Shingrix second dose 2–6 months after the first dose. For adults ages 18 years and older with an increased risk of shingles, doctors may recommend getting the second dose 1–2 months after the first dose.
If you have concerns about getting the second dose of Shingrix, talk with your doctor.
How effective is one dose of Shingrix?
It depends. The vaccine’s effectiveness can vary from person to person, depending on certain factors like age and the strength of a person’s immune system.
In a 2024 study, researchers found that Shingrix was 64% effective after one dose. In comparison, another study found the effectiveness of the vaccine after two doses was 97%.
If you have more questions about this, talk with your doctor.
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