Shingrix and Shingles

What is Shingles?

Shingles occur when the chickenpox virus that you had earlier in your life reactivates. Instead of causing chickenpox, the virus now resides in the nervous system and presents as a rash linked to a particular nerve in the body. The condition can cause suffering due to nerve pain. Nerve pain is very different from physical pain in terms of the difficulty associated with managing it.

The risk of such a condition increases with age. Approximately 80% of cases occur in patients who are 50 years or older.

According to recent population studies approximately 1 of 3 people will get shingles in their life time. The virus is already dormant in most individuals and the reactivation of the virus is what causes Shingles. This usually happens with age or as our immunity wanes. Even people who are vaccinated against chicken pox can also get shingles years later!

Shingles can cause long standing pain and complications

Shingles produces a painful rash that blisters and scabs after 7 – 10 days and usually takes 2-4 weeks to clear up. 48 – 72 hours before the rash appears, people may experience pain, itching, tingling and numbness where the rash will develop. This pain may persist for weeks or even months after the rash resolves in a condition termed postherpatic neuralgia (PHN). This condition can develop in 30% of shingles patients.

If Shingles affects the face or the eye (~25% of cases), it can lead to serious complications such as vision loss.

Vaccine Protection is ~90% for individual’s aged 50 and above

Photo Credit: GSK

Shingrix is given in 2 doses using a non-live recombinant subunit vaccine. The 2nd dose being given 2 – 6 months later. Its efficacy results are at 90% prevention in populations who are 50 years old and above. If you also have other chronic medical conditions that may cause weakened immunity, eg. diabetes, chronic kidney disease, you should also consider being vaccinated.

Who is eligible for the Shingrix vaccine in Singapore?

Most individuals are able to receive it unless they are allergic to the components of the vaccine.

In Singapore, it is approved and recommended for

• Individuals above 50 years old
• Individuals 18 years and older who have an underlying medical condition or are immunosuppressed

If I had Zostavax as my first dose, can I get Shingrix as my second dose?

Yes. The recommendation is to wait at least 6 months from the date of the first dose of Zostavax before taking Shingrix.

Dosage, Cost & Scheduling

• $488 per dose, 2 doses are required
• Preorder with 50% payment can be done in clinic and stock will take 1-2 working days to arrive
• Receive your 1st dose and schedule your 2nd dose