Shingles vaccine update

Changes were made to the shingles vaccination programme with Shingrix to eventually replace Zostavax for the whole shingles programme.

There is evidence that Shingrix has greater efficacy and provides a substantially longer duration of protection from shingles than Zostavax. As it is not an attenuated vaccine it can be given to immunocompromised patients. 

Those cohorts previously eligible for Zostavax who are under 80 years of age, should continue to be offered Zostavax until central stocks run out, after which they should be offered Shingrix. Individuals who have received Zostavax previously should not be revaccinated with Shingrix.

Shingrix will require a two-dose schedule with the dosing interval different for immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients.

• For immunocompromised patients: The eligible cohort of patients will expand to all patients aged 50 years and over (with no upper age limit). The programme aims to catch all severely immunocompromised individuals aged 50 years and over within the first year. The second dose should be given eight weeks to six months after the first dose for this cohort.
• For immunocompetent patients: The eligible cohort of patients will expand to all patients aged over 60, implemented in two stages over 10 years. For these people the second dose can be given six to 12 months after the first dose.