Shingles (Herpes Zoster) Vaccines
Shingles, or Herpes Zoster, is a painful rash caused by the reactivation of the Varicella zoster Virus (VZV) — the same virus that causes chickenpox.
After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the body and may reactivate years later, especially in older adults or those with weakened immunity.
The condition can cause nerve pain, burning, and postherpetic neuralgia, which can last for months or even years. Vaccination significantly reduces both the risk and severity of shingles and its long-term complications.
Affinity Vaccines provides FDA-approved Shingles Vaccines from GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD) for adult and senior immunization programs.
A. Shingrix® (GlaxoSmithKline – GSK)
1. Shingrix® (GSK)
Formulation:
Recombinant, non-live vaccine containing Varicella zoster Virus glycoprotein E antigen combined with AS01B adjuvant system (liposome-based adjuvant).
Packaging:
Two vials per dose: one vial with lyophilized antigen component and one vial with adjuvant suspension (to be mixed before injection).
Each dose after reconstitution: 0.5 mL.
Dosage and Administration:
- Adults ≥ 50 years old: Two doses of 0.5 mL each, administered intramuscularly, 2–6 months apart.
- Adults ≥ 18 years old who are at increased risk (e.g., immunocompromised, post-transplant, cancer patients): also indicated.
Indications:
Prevention of Herpes Zoster (shingles) and postherpetic neuralgia in adults 50 years and older, and in immunocompromised adults 18 years and above.
Contraindications:
- Hypersensitivity to any vaccine component.
- Postpone vaccination during moderate or severe acute illness.
Storage / Cold-Chain Requirement:
- Store between +2°C and +8°C.
- Do not freeze.
- Protect from light.
- Use immediately after reconstitution.
Manufacturer:
GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals S.A., Belgium
B. Zostavax® (Merck Sharp & Dohme – MSD)
2. Zostavax® (Merck Sharp & Dohme)
Formulation:
Live attenuated Varicella zoster virus (Oka/Merck strain), lyophilized for reconstitution with sterile diluent.
Packaging:
Single-dose vial (lyophilized vaccine) with pre-filled syringe of diluent, 0.65 mL after reconstitution.
Dosage and Administration:
- Adults ≥ 50 years: One 0.65 mL subcutaneous dose (single injection).
Indications:
Prevention of Herpes zoster (shingles) and postherpetic neuralgia in adults 50 years of age and older.
Contraindications:
- Immunocompromised individuals (e.g., leukemia, lymphoma, HIV with severe immunosuppression).
- Pregnancy — avoid vaccination during and one month after.
- Hypersensitivity to neomycin or gelatin.
- Defer if febrile or acutely ill.
Storage / Cold-Chain Requirement:
- Store between +2°C and +8°C.
- Do not freeze the reconstituted vaccine.
- Protect from light.
- Use immediately after reconstitution.
Manufacturer:
Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., USA
Corporate Vaccination Recommendations
Target Group | Recommended Vaccine | Notes |
Adults ≥ 50 years (general population) | Shingrix® (2 doses) | Preferred – higher efficacy and longer protection. |
Adults ≥ 18 years with weakened immunity | Shingrix® (2 doses) | Safe for immunocompromised; non-live vaccine. |
Adults ≥ 60 years previously vaccinated with Zostavax® | Shingrix® | Recommended revaccination after at least 5 years. |
Healthy adults ≥ 50 years | Shingrix® or Zostavax® | Prevents painful shingles and work disruption. |
Affinity Vaccines Recommendation:
Use Shingrix® whenever available—it provides over 90% protection and is suitable for both healthy and immunocompromised adults, unlike older live-virus vaccines.
Cold-Chain and Safety Assurance
All shingles vaccines are stored and transported at +2 °C to +8 °C with continuous temperature monitoring.
Vaccinations are administered by licensed medical professionals following DOH and FDA guidelines, with post-injection observation and documentation for every recipient.
Protect Your People. Protect Your Business. Strengthen Your Organization.
Protect Your People. Protect Your Business. Strengthen Your Organization.
Shingles can cause debilitating pain and lost productivity in older employees.
Affinity Vaccines provides Shingrix® and Zostavax® through managed corporate vaccination programs, helping organizations protect their senior and at-risk workforce as part of comprehensive health and wellness initiatives.
📩 Request for a Corporate Vaccination Proposal
Email: vaccines@affinity.com.ph