Let's Get a Grip on Shingrix: Your Guide to this Shingles Vaccine
Shingrix Details: Effects, Pricing, Comparison with Zostavax, Available Options, and Further Information
Shingrix, you might be thinking "another vaccine?" But this one's worth knowing about. It's all about protecting yourself from a nasty condition called shingles, or herpes zoster.
Here's the lowdown: Shingrix is a brand-name vaccine that's FDA-approved to help prevent shingles. It's especially important if you're 50 or older, but folks with an increased risk of shingles can get it, too. Shingrix ain't designed for preventing chickenpox - go for the chickenpox vaccine if you're not sure if you've had it.
Shingrix gets administered as a straightforward intramuscular injection, usually in the upper arm. You'll need two doses, spaced a few months apart. No need to book a return trip to the doc's office or pharmacy, a healthcare pro will handle that.
Shingrix is a recombinant vaccine, so it's made up of parts of the shingles virus. And since it's not a live vaccine, it's safer for people with an impaired immune system. So yeah, if you've got a weakened immune system, Shingrix's got your back.
Want to learn more about how Shingrix works and the effectiveness of it? Check out our "Shingrix uses" section for the scoop.
FDA approved Shingrix in 2017, and research has shown it to be pretty darn effective at preventing shingles. But remember, like any medication, Shingrix can cause some side effects. Common ones include:
- Local reactions at the injection site
- Headaches
- Muscle pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Upset stomach
- Dizziness or fainting
- Flu-like symptoms like fever, shivering, and tiredness
Most of these side effects should disappear within a few days, but if they're more severe or last longer than expected, talk to your doc or pharmacist. In rare cases, Shingrix can cause serious allergic reactions, dizziness, fainting, or trouble breathing. If that happens, get medical help immediately.
Believe it or not, there's been some buzz about Guillain-Barré syndrome popping up in people who've had Shingrix. This is a rare condition that causes your immune system to mess with your nerves.
Shingrix is only available as a brand-name vaccine, no generic version yet. And like all medications, the cost varies based on insurance and pharmacy. Need financial support for Shingrix? No worries, check out the GSKforyou program for possible assistance.
So that's your guide to Shingrix, folks. It's a valuable tool in your health arsenal, and it's essential to understand the dos and don'ts of this vaccine. Keep yourself well-informed and protected!
[Disclaimer: Medical News Today aims to provide current, accurate, and reliable info, but always consult your healthcare professional for medical advice specific to your situation.]
Enrichment Data:
Side effects:
- Mild to severe side effects are possible with Shingrix, but they're usually mild and temporary.
- More common side effects include pain, redness, swelling, soreness, or tenderness at the injection site, fatigue, muscle pain or aches, headache, fever or chills, gastrointestinal symptoms, shivering.
- Rare but serious side effects include severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), dizziness, fainting, persistent pain or swelling, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, or widespread itchy rashes.
Frequency of side effects:The more common side effects typically appear within 1-3 days after vaccination. Serious adverse reactions are rare but can occur.
Guillain-Barré syndrome:There have been reports of Guillain-Barré syndrome in people who've had Shingrix. This is a rare condition that can cause your immune system to damage your nerves, resulting in muscle weakness.
- Shingrix, a vaccine for protecting against shingles, is FDA-approved and significantly effective, particularly for individuals aged 50 and above or those with increased shingles risk.
- This recombinant vaccine, which uses parts of the shingles virus, is safer for people with weakened immune systems due to its non-live composition.
- Shingrix consists of two doses, spaced a few months apart, and is administered through a straightforward intramuscular injection in the upper arm.
- Although Shingrix is generally safe, some side effects may occur, such as local reactions, headaches, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach, dizziness or fainting, flu-like symptoms, and Guillain-Barré syndrome (a rare neurological disorder cause by an immune system response).
- To learn more about the uses and effectiveness of Shingrix, explore our dedicated section for detailed information.
- Remember, understanding the dos and don'ts of Shingrix is essential for your health and wellness, and financial assistance for the vaccine may be available through the GSKforyou program.
