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RZV (Shingrix)

Protein Subunit

Recombinant Zoster Vaccine

Manufacturer

GSK

Administration

Intramuscular (IM)

Site: Deltoid

Storage

Refrigerate at 2°C to 8°C. Must be reconstituted before use.

Schedule

2 doses, 2-6 months apart

Indications

  • Prevention of herpes zoster (shingles) and postherpetic neuralgia.

Target Ages:

Adults >= 50 yearsImmunocompromised >= 19 years

Contraindications & Precautions

Contraindications

  • Severe allergic reaction to previous dose

Precautions

  • Current active shingles infection (wait until rash resolves).

Side Effects

Common (Expected)

Severe injection site painMyalgiaFatigueHeadacheFever/Chills

Rare Adverse Events

  • Guillain-Barré Syndrome (very rare, observational data)

Clinical Information

Effectiveness

>90% efficacy in preventing shingles across all age groups >= 50.

Patient Counseling

  • Expect strong side effects (flu-like symptoms, sore arm) for 1-3 days.
  • Do not skip the second dose even if the first dose caused side effects.