Shingrix Vaccine for Shingles Prevention

Shingrix is a recombinant zoster vaccine designed to prevent shingles (herpes zoster), a painful condition caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox. The Shingrix vaccine is intended for adults aged 50 years and older, as the risk of developing shingles increases with age. Shingrix is an inactivated vaccine, meaning it does not contain live virus but instead uses a protein from the varicella-zoster virus to stimulate the immune system to produce protection. It is administered as a two-dose shingles vaccine series.

Pharmaceutical Properties

Formulation
Shingrix is available as a suspension for injection, consisting of two components: the inactivated varicella-zoster virus glycoprotein E (gE) and an adjuvant system (AS01B), which enhances the body’s immune response.

Components

• Glycoprotein E (gE): Stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies.

• Adjuvant AS01B: Boosts the immune response and ensures longer-lasting immunity.

Storage & Shelf Life

• Store at 2°C to 8°C; do not freeze.

• Shelf life is 24 months under proper storage conditions.

Indications for Use

Shingles Prevention
Primarily indicated for herpes zoster (shingles) prevention in adults aged 50 and older. Also recommended for adults 18+ with prior shingles history.

Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN) Prevention
Helps reduce the risk of PHN, a painful complication that can occur after shingles.

Mechanism of Action

Shingrix stimulates the immune system using glycoprotein E to trigger antibody and memory cell production.

• Glycoprotein E: Mimics a protein on the varicella-zoster virus surface.

• Adjuvant AS01B: Strengthens and prolongs the immune response.

This ensures long-lasting protection against shingles and associated complications.

Clinical Protocol in Dubai

According to Dubai Health Authority (DHA) guidelines:

Administration Schedule

• Dose 1: For adults 50+

• Dose 2: 2 to 6 months after the first

Post-Vaccination Monitoring
Monitor patients for 15 minutes post-injection. Common side effects include:

• Injection site pain

• Muscle aches

• Fever

• Fatigue

Contraindications & Precautions

• Not recommended for those allergic to any vaccine component.

• Pregnant or immunocompromised individuals should consult a healthcare provider before vaccination.

Additional Information

Storage: Keep refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C. Do not freeze.
Shelf Life: 24 months under proper storage.
Adverse Reactions: Mostly mild; report any severe reactions immediately.

Conclusion

Shingrix is a highly effective shingles vaccine for preventing herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia. With its two-dose regimen, Shingrix provides strong and lasting protection, particularly important for adults aged 50 and above. In Dubai, it follows official DHA protocols and plays a key role in adult immunization and public health.