Shingrix is a vaccine that protects against the shingles virus, a painful rash caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus in adults.
In the realm of vaccines, shingles has been a topic of ongoing research, with the primary focus on non-mRNA vaccines at present.
Shingles, a viral infection caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), shares the same culprit as chickenpox. However, as of August 2025, mRNA vaccine research for shingles is not prominently active or reported, largely due to a recent shift in U.S. government policy away from mRNA vaccine development.
The British Society for Immunology (BSI) supports the safety and effectiveness of mRNA vaccines, stating that the benefits far outweigh any potential risks in the majority of people. Yet, this support doesn't seem to extend to shingles vaccine development in the U.S.
Currently, the standard of care for shingles vaccination is recombinant protein-based vaccines, such as the recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV). Recent data highlight continued strong efficacy and immune responses in high-risk groups using the RZV platform. Vaccine uptake for shingles has modestly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic period, but this relates to existing vaccine formulations, not new mRNA types.
Notably, experts have emphasized that shingles vaccines rely on targeted protein-based strategies, and mRNA technology has not been demonstrated as superior or prominently advanced for shingles as of now.
The mRNA platform's future in infectious disease vaccines appears limited by policy shifts focused on alternative broader vaccine technologies. Yet, mRNA technology could potentially help against cancer, allergies, genetic diseases, heart problems, neurodevelopmental conditions, and more.
In contrast, inactivated vaccines use an inactive, or killed, version of a pathogen to create an immune response without causing illness. They do not usually provide immunity as strong as other vaccines. Examples of inactivated vaccines include some vaccines for diseases like polio, influenza, and rabies.
Recombinant vaccines, on the other hand, use a specific part of a pathogen, such as a protein, sugar, or casing, to help the body generate an immune response. Shingrix, a recombinant vaccine, is the preferable choice for shingles at present.
The Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine is an example of a viral vector vaccine, which uses a modified virus to deliver a piece of the target virus's genetic material into the body to stimulate an immune response.
It's important to note that evidence indicates that mRNA vaccines are safe, with the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine being deemed safe by multiple authorities. Severe reactions after the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine are rare.
In conclusion, while mRNA vaccine research for shingles is on hold due to policy decisions, the current standard of care for shingles vaccination is recombinant protein-based vaccines. The potential benefits of mRNA technology in other areas of medicine are being actively explored.
- Despite current mRNA vaccine research for shingles not being prominent, the potential benefits of mRNA technology in other areas of medicine, such as cancer, allergies, genetic diseases, heart problems, neurodevelopmental conditions, and more, are being actively explored.
- In contrast to mRNA vaccines, the current standard of care for shingles vaccination is recombinant protein-based vaccines, with Shingrix being the preferable choice for shingles at present.
- In the realm of vaccines, while the U.S. government is shifting focus away from mRNA vaccine development for shingles, evidence indicates that mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, which stimulate an immune response by delivering a piece of the target virus's genetic material, are deemed safe by multiple authorities.
