User:Mr. Ibrahem/Shingles vaccine

Shingles vaccine, also known as zoster vaccine, of which there are two types, Shingrix and Zostavax, are vaccines that reduce the risk of shingles and postherpetic neuralgia, due to reactivation of the chickenpox virus (varicella zoster virus (VZV)). Shingrix appears to prevent more cases of shingles than Zostavax, although side effects are more frequent and it requires two doses. Shingrix is approved in over 50 years old, regardless of prior chickenpox, shingles, or shingles vaccine. For those with weakened immune systems, Shingrix is preferable. They are given by injection.

Shingrix is a recombinant subunit vaccine. Zostavax is a live attenuated vaccine which basically consists of a larger-than-normal dose of chickenpox vaccine. Unlike Shingrix, Zostavax is not suitable for people with immunosuppression or who are pregnant. The side effects of both vaccines are generally mild to moderate and can include pain at the site of injection, tiredness, and headache.

Shingrix was approved for medical use in the United States in 2017 while Zostavax was approved for medical use in 2006. In the United States Shingrix costs 310 USD for two dose as of 2021. In the United Kingdom a dose of Zostavax costs the NHS about £100. As of 2020, Zostavax is no longer available in the United States. As of 2023, Zostavax is being replaced by Shingrix in the UK's national immunisation program.