Shingles Vaccine: I heard there are Two ?

Zoster Vaccine - Patients are asking daily: is the newer (Shingrix) vaccine better than the old (Zostavax) vaccine ?


Clinical Question: Is there a difference in efficacy between the new, recombinant (Shingrix®) and the live (Zostavax®) zoster vaccines?


Bottom Line: Recombinant zoster vaccine (Shingrix) appears more efficacious than the live vaccine (Zostavax). Over three years, recombinant zoster vaccine prevents one additional case of herpes zoster (shingles) for about every 40 patients treated compared to one for every 60-70 with live vaccine. Both vaccines decrease the risk of post-herpetic neuralgia. The recombinant vaccine is more expensive (Shingrix: $250) and requires two injections whereas the live vaccine (Zostavax: $180) only requires one.

Current recommendations:

  • Canada:9 offer recombinant vaccine (Shingrix) to patients:

    • ≥50 years

    • who previously received live vaccine or had a previous episode of shingles.

    • Source “Tools For Practice": Alberta College of Family Physicians

Charlotte Gallant