Shingrix (zoster vaccine recombinant, adjuvanted) is a prescription drug given to vaccinate against shingles infection. It comes as a liquid form for injecting into a muscle. You receive two separated doses from a healthcare professional.

Shingrix is used to help prevent shingles (herpes zoster) infection in adults who are:

  • ages 50 years and older
  • ages 18 years and older who are at higher risk of getting shingles

The active ingredient in Shingrix is adjuvanted recombinant zoster vaccine. (An active ingredient is what makes a vaccine work.)

“Recombinant” means made from parts of, which in this case is the shingles virus. “Adjuvanted” means a substance was added to make the vaccine more effective.

Shingrix belongs to a group of drugs called vaccines.

This article describes the dosage of Shingrix, as well as its strength and how it’s given. To learn more about Shingrix, see this in-depth article.

This section describes the usual dosage of Shingrix. Keep reading to learn more.

What is Shingrix’s form?

Shingrix is available as a suspension that a healthcare professional gives by injection into a muscle. A suspension is a type of liquid mixture.

What strength does Shingrix come in?

Shingrix comes in one strength of 0.5 milliliters (mL) once fully mixed by a healthcare professional.

What are the usual dosages of Shingrix?

You receive Shingrix vaccine in two doses according to a dosing schedule.

The information below describes the commonly used or recommended dosing schedule. Your doctor will determine the best dosing schedule for you.

Dosage for shingles

The typical Shingrix dosage for adults ages 50 years and older to prevent shingles is two doses of 0.5 mL each. You’ll receive the first dose, and then you’ll receive the second dose 2–6 months later.

Some people’s immune system is vulnerable or weakened, which is called immunocompromised. Or they may be at higher risk of shingles. If you’re age 18 years or older in either of these cases, your doctor may shorten the dosing schedule.

You’ll receive the first dose, and then you may receive the second dose 1–2 months later. So you’ll receive two doses of 0.5 mL each.

If you have questions about Shingrix dosing, talk with your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Is Shingrix used long term?

No, Shingrix is not used long term. The vaccine is given in two separated doses, typically 2–6 months apart.

Your doctor or another healthcare professional will give you both doses of Shingrix. You’ll receive them at a doctor’s office, clinic, or pharmacy.

You’ll receive these doses by injection into a muscle. Typically you receive it in your upper arm.

After your first dose, you’ll receive the second dose 2–6 months later. But if you’re at higher risk of getting shingles, your doctor may recommend a shorter dosing schedule. In this case, after your first dose, you may receive the second dose 1–2 months later.

You receive Shingrix vaccine in two doses. (See the “What is Shingrix’s dosage?” section above for more information on the schedule.) If you miss getting your second dose, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends you get it as soon as possible. You don’t need to restart your doses.

If you miss your second dose, call your doctor or healthcare professional as soon as possible. They’ll help you reschedule the appointment. If you need help remembering your appointments, try setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Shingrix’s dosage.

What happens if I don’t get the second dose of Shingrix or my second dose is delayed?

The typical Shingrix dosage for adults ages 50 years and older to prevent shingles is two doses. After you receive the first dose, you’ll receive the second dose 2–6 months later. But sometimes people miss getting their second dose, or it’s delayed for some reason.

Some people’s immune system is vulnerable or weakened, which is called immunocompromised. Or they may be at higher risk of shingles. If you’re age 18 years or older in either of these cases, your doctor may shorten the dosing schedule. You’ll receive the first dose, and then you’ll receive the second dose 1–2 months later.

In either case, if you’ve missed your second dose, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says you can still get the second dose. And you don’t have to restart your dosing schedule. If your first dose was more than 6 months ago, schedule your second dose of Shingrix as soon as possible.

According to the CDC, two doses provide greater than 90% protection from shingles and postherpetic neuralgia.* It also notes that this protection lasts for at least 7 years after you’re fully vaccinated (two doses). So to get maximum protection from shingles, it’s important to get both doses of Shingrix.

If you have questions about Shingrix dosing, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* Postherpetic neuralgia is pain caused by damage to the nerves. It’s a common complication of shingles.

How long does it take for Shingrix to start working?

Your body’s immune response to Shingrix vaccine determines how soon Shingrix starts to work. Once you receive the vaccine, your body generates antibodies to protect you from the varicella-zoster virus. This virus causes shingles.

In studies, Shingrix is shown to be effective at preventing shingles and postherpetic neuralgia* after your second dose. Your protection may depend on your age, your body’s immune response, and other factors.

If you have other questions about what to expect from your Shingrix vaccine, talk with your doctor.

* Postherpetic neuralgia is pain caused by damage to the nerves. It’s a common complication of shingles.

The sections above describe the usual dosage recommendations provided by the drugmaker. If your doctor recommends Shingrix for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage and dosing schedule that’s right for you.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about Shingrix dosing.

Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor:

  • Will I need a booster dose of Shingrix after a certain amount of time?
  • If I have a weak immune system, will I need three doses of Shingrix?
  • Does Shingrix still protect you from shingles if you receive only one dose of the vaccine?

To learn more about Shingrix, see these articles:

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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.