ViVa 30 – Question of the Week (“YES or NO”) by OC

Question: I received Zostavax 10 years ago. Can I now get vaccinated with Shingrix? Answer: Yes. The Evidence. The study referenced below shows that the Shingrix is immunogenic and well-tolerated in older adults who had Zostavax about 5 years earlier. Before Zostavax, it did not weaken the immune response or increase side effects. No sign waiting longer (for example, 10 years after Zostavax) would cause a problem; instead, Shingrix can “renew” protection that has clearly waned after Zostavax. In simple terms, if you had 2 doses of Zostavax 10 years ago, Shingrix can still be given and is expected to boost your protection against shingles again. As always, timing and suitability should be checked with a local physician in your country, especially if you have other medical conditions or take medicines that affect the immune system. Based on this, here as examples, the recommendations by (old) ACIP (USA) and STIKO (Germany): CDC (USA): Recommends 2 doses...