Which Shingles Vaccination Is Used By Rite Aid?

Shingrix® is the preferred shingles vaccine over Zostavax®, a vaccine used since 2006. If you have previously received Zostavax®, it is recommended to now receive the 2-dose series of Shingrix®. The vaccine helps reduce the length and severity of symptoms and complications in those who develop shingles. A one-time shingles vaccine (Zostavax®) is recommended for people 60 or older, even if they have a severely weakened immune system.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends 2 doses of recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) to prevent shingles and related complications in adults aged ≥50 years. Shingrix is more effective at preventing shingles (herpes zoster virus) than Zostavax (overall: 97.2 vs. 51, respectively). Shingrix is not an mRNA vaccine like the COVID-19 shot, but research is underway on adapting the technology to develop new shingles vaccines.

A brand new shingles vaccine, Shingrix®, has recently been approved by the FDA. For full protection, two doses administered 2-6 months apart are needed. It is recommended for all healthy adults age 50 and older, even if they aren’t sure if they have had chickenpox.

To get the Zostavax vaccine, schedule an appointment for CDC recommended immunizations at your local Rite Aid Pharmacy or doctor’s office. One way to save money on vaccines at Rite Aid is by visiting GoodRx and searching for a specific vaccine to check its Rite Aid pharmacy price.

Why was Zostavax discontinued?

In 2020, Merck Sharpe and Dohme (MSD) announced that it would discontinue the supply of its zoster vaccine (Zostavax) to focus on developing its COVID-19 vaccine. In 2021, MSD stopped developing its COVID-19 vaccine but continued to discontinue its zoster vaccine. Pharmac sought clinical advice from its Immunisation Advisory Committee to determine if an alternative herpes zoster/shingles vaccine was needed. Pharmac secured the supply of Shingrix and listed it on the Schedule from 1 August 2022 for use once all funded stock of Zostavax had been used.

In January 2023, the company released a clinical advice paper to the Immunisation Advisory Committee regarding the proposal to fund Shingrix for the prevention of herpes zoster and post-herpetic neuralgia in adults 65 years of age or older.

Which shingles vaccine is recommended now?

The CDC recommends the Shingrix vaccine for adults aged 50 and older to prevent shingles and its complications. This applies to both those who have had shingles and those who haven’t, as well as those aged 19 and older with weakened immune systems due to a condition or medication. The Shingrix vaccine can be obtained even if you’ve had shingles, had the Zostavax vaccine in the past, or if you don’t know if you’ve had chickenpox. Shingrix is a live virus vaccine administered in two doses.

Is Shingrix or Zostavax the same as the shingles vaccine?

Zostavax, a shingles vaccine, contains a weakened version of the virus, which is not suitable for those with a severely weakened immune system. Shingrix is the preferred vaccine. Vaccination should be given if the individual is unwell, with high temperatures or feeling too unwell to perform normal activities. There are two types of shingles vaccines in the UK, with ingredients listed in patient leaflets.

Do you still need Shingrix if you had Zostavax?

Chickenpox infection increases the risk of shingles, a re-emergence of the virus. The CDC recommends Shingrix vaccination for those who have had chickenpox and have experienced shingles. Shingrix can be a lifelong risk, and it can be a booster. Vaccination is also recommended even if you have already received the Zostavax vaccine. Most people who receive Shingrix experience mild side effects, including sore arm, fatigue, and low-grade fever.

Why is Zostavax not used anymore?

The Shingrix vaccine is more effective than Zostavax, which reduced the risk of shingles by 51 percent. Zostavax loses its effectiveness after five years and is no longer available in the US. Those who have ever had chickenpox are at risk for shingles, a re-emergence of the virus. The CDC recommends Shingrix vaccination even if you are not sure if you have had chickenpox or have had shingles. Shingrix can cause mild side effects, such as sore arm, fatigue, and low-grade fever, but is generally safe for most individuals.

Are all shingles vaccines the same?

The Zostavax shingles vaccine, which used a weakened form of the chickenpox virus, was discontinued in 2020. Shingrix, a dead version, teaches the immune system to recognize and protect against the virus. If you received Zostavax, it is recommended to also receive Shingrix, which is more effective in reducing the risk of shingles. To be fully protected, two doses of Shingrix are needed, two to six months after the first shot.

Why is Zostavax no longer used in the US?

Zostavax, a widely used medication in the U. S., was found to be less effective than initially thought. The FDA reported higher rates of serious complications in those given the shot compared to placebo. Studies have shown that the weakened varicella-zoster virus can grow stronger and cause rare diseases. As of January 2019, Zostavax’s official website warns consumers about potential medical conditions addressed in legal filings, including eye conditions, shingles, and central nervous system damage.

Why is there a lawsuit against Shingrix?

The Zostavax lawsuits allege that Merck failed to inform patients and doctors that the Zostavax vaccine, intended to prevent shingles, could actually cause shingles. Zostavax, one of two zoster vaccines available, was the first to be approved in the U. S. in 2006. The vaccine, which contains a live, weakened form of the virus it is intended to guard against, was found to reduce the incidence of shingles by half in a study of 38, 000 older adults. The vaccine’s purpose is to alert the immune system to suppress the virus present in the patient’s body.

However, those whose conditions worsened after receiving the vaccine claim that the warning label for Zostavax failed to adequately address that it could actually cause shingles. The lawsuits are no longer accepting Zostavax cases.

What is the new shingles vaccine for seniors?

The Shingrix ® vaccine is recommended for individuals aged 50 and over, as well as those aged 18 and over who are immunocompromised, to prevent shingles and its complications. The vaccine is not a live vaccine, and not all recommended recipients are funded under the National Immunisation Program (NIP). Factors to consider before receiving the vaccine include haematopoietic stem cell transplant, solid organ transplant, haematological malignancy, and advanced or untreated HIV.

What is wrong with Zostavax?

Disseminated varicella-zoster virus infection with the vaccine (Oka) strain can occur in patients after receiving Zostavax ® vaccine. There have been reports of fatal disseminated vaccine-related varicella-zoster virus infection in Australia, including in patients on low-dose immunosuppressive medication. The risk increases with the degree of immunosuppression.

Careful pre-screening and risk-based assessment are required before administering any dose of Zostavax ®. If appropriate, the assessment should include medical specialist consultation and potentially screening for pre-existing antibody to varicella-zoster virus. In such cases, vaccination should be deferred until such advice and/or results have been obtained. Any patient experiencing a disseminated vesicular (chickenpox-like) rash 2–4 weeks after vaccine administration should seek medical attention immediately and ensure their treating health professional is aware of their recent zoster vaccination.

Hyperpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a common shingles disease that can occur in people who are immunocompromised or expecting to become immunocompromised. Shingrix ® is available in Australia, and those who have already received a dose of Zostavax ® can receive Shingrix ® as an NIP-funded dose. If a person has already received a dose of Shingrix ® that they paid for privately, they can receive their second dose of Shingrix ® as an NIP-funded dose.

The Australian Immunisation Handbook and Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (ATAGI) recommendations for Shingrix ® are supported by scientific evidence. If Dose 2 of Shingrix ® was administered less than 2 months after Dose 1, the vaccine recommendations for people with no antibodies to the chickenpox virus should be followed.

What is the best shingles vaccine for seniors?

The American College of Infectious Diseases (ACIP) has recommended Shingrix as the primary vaccine for shingles due to its high level of evidence. The CDC recommends the vaccine for anyone at least 50 years of age or older, as 1 in 3 people in the US will develop a shingles infection. The risk of developing a significant complication, such as postherpetic neuralgia, is as high as 1 in 10 people affected by shingles.

Healthcare professionals, such as primary care physicians, highly encourage people to receive the Shingrix vaccine, but it is important to discuss the vaccine’s effectiveness with a healthcare provider based on personal medical history.