Pronunciation: shin-grix
Generic name: zoster vaccine (inactivated)
Other brand names of zoster vaccine (inactivated) include: Shingrix
Dosage form: single-dose vial kit for reconstitution, prefilled single-dose syringe (0.5 mL)
Drug class: Viral vaccines

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on July 29, 2025.

What is Shingrix?

Shingrix is used to prevent herpes zoster (HZ, shingles) in adults 50 years and older, or in adults 18 years and older who are at increased risk of HZ due to immunodeficiency or immunosuppression caused by a known disease or therapy. It is administered as 2 intramuscular doses of 0.5 mL, 2 to 6 months apart.

Shingrix works by exposing you to a small dose of inactive virus, which causes the body to develop immunity to the disease. This vaccine will not treat an active herpes zoster infection that has already developed in the body. Shingrix will not treat chickenpox.

Becoming infected with shingles is much more dangerous to your health than receiving the vaccine to protect against it. Like any medicine, Shingrix can cause side effects, but the risk of serious side effects is extremely low.

Shingrix was FDA approved on October 20, 2017. It is a recombinant subunit formulation that combines glycoprotein E antigen with AS01B adjuvant to stimulate a strong, lasting immune response.

Side effects

The most common side effects of Shingrix are:

• Pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site
• Muscle pain
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Shivering
• Fever
• Gastrointestinal symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Make a note of any side effects you have following your first Shingrix vaccine. When you receive the second shot, tell the doctor if the first shot caused any side effects. You should not receive the second shot if you had a life-threatening allergic reaction after the first shot. Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Shingrix: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Warnings and serious side effects

You should not receive Shingrix if you have ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to an inactivated zoster virus vaccine or any of the components in the vaccine. Do not receive the second shot if you had a life-threatening allergic reaction to your first dose of Shingrix. 

Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any vaccine.

In a postmarketing observational study, an increased risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome was observed during the 42 days following vaccination with Shingrix. Seek medical attention right away if you have:

• weakness or tingling;

• trouble speaking or swallowing;

• problems with balance or eye movement; or

• loss of bladder or bowel control.

Fainting (syncope) can be associated with the administration of injectable vaccines, such as Shingrix. If you have a history of fainting following vaccinations, you may ask to lie down during the injection process.

It is not known whether Shingrix will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

It may not be safe to breast-feed a baby shortly after you receive Shingrix. Ask your doctor about any risks.

Call your doctor at once if you have a high fever.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report vaccine side effects to the US Department of Health and Human Services at 1-800-822-7967.

Related/similar drugs

Before taking this medicine

You should not receive Shingrix if you have ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to an inactivated zoster virus vaccine.

Tell your doctor if you:

• have any allergies

• have fainted after receiving an injection

• are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How is Shingrix given?

Shingrix is given as an injection (shot) into a muscle, usually the deltoid muscle of your upper arm. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Shingrix is usually given in a series of 2 shots.

• The second shot is given any time within 2 to 6 months of the first shot.

• For people with a weak immune system, the second shot may be given any time within 1 to 2 months after the first shot.

You may receive this vaccine at the same time that you get a flu shot.

Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose of Shingrix for Varicella-Zoster (Shingrix) Prophylaxis:

• 0.5 mL intramuscularly
• Administer 2 doses. Give the second dose 2 to 6 months after the first dose.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor if you miss the second dose or if you get behind schedule. You must receive all recommended doses of Shingrix to be fully protected against Shingles.

What happens if I overdose?

An overdose of Shingrix is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid after receiving Shingrix?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What other drugs will affect Shingrix?

Other drugs may interact with the zoster vaccine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Shingrix ingredients

Each 0.5-mL dose contains:

Active ingredients:

• 50 mcg recombinant gE antigen
• 50 mcg MPL
• 50 mcg QS-21.

Inactive ingredients:

• 20 mg sucrose
• 4.385 mg sodium chloride
• 1 mg DOPC
• 0.54 mg potassium dihydrogen phosphate
• 0.25 mg cholesterol
• 0.160 mg sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate
• 0.15 mg disodium phosphate anhydrous
• 0.116 mg dipotassium phosphate
• 0.08 mg polysorbate 80.

Additional information:

• Shingrix contains no preservatives
• May contain residual amounts of host cell proteins (≤3.0%) and DNA (≤2.1 picograms) from manufacturing
• Vial stoppers are not made with natural rubber latex
• Prefilled syringe tip caps and rubber plunger stoppers are not made with natural rubber latex.

Manufacturer

Shingrix is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline Biologics, Rixensart, Belgium, U.S. License 1617, and
distributed by GlaxoSmithKline, Durham, NC 27701.

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Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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