How Many Shingrix Doses Do You Need? 

The reminder card had been sitting on the refrigerator for months.

“Shingrix — Dose 2.”

The first shot had already been checked off, so it was easy to wonder: Wasn’t one dose enough? Do I still need the second one? And what happens if I am late?

The answer is simple: Shingrix is a two-dose vaccine, and both doses are recommended to complete the series.

When Should You Receive the Second Shingrix Dose?

For most adults, the second dose of Shingrix should be given 2 to 6 months after the first dose.

Some people with weakened immune systems may be advised to receive the second dose sooner—typically 1 to 2 months after the first dose. Your pharmacist or healthcare provider can help determine the right timing based on your health history and treatment.

What If You Are Late for Your Second Shingrix Dose?

Maybe six months have passed. Maybe it has been a year—or even longer.

The good news is that you do not need to restart the Shingrix series if too much time has passed between doses.

If you received your first dose but missed the recommended window for your second dose, simply receive your second dose as soon as possible.

So even if that reminder card has been hanging on your refrigerator for quite a while, your first dose still counts.

Who Should Receive Shingrix?

The CDC recommends two doses of Shingrix for:

• Adults 50 years of age and older
• Adults 19 years of age and older who have weakened immune systems because of a medical condition or treatment

There is no maximum age for receiving Shingrix.

You should also receive Shingrix even if you have previously had shingles or received the older shingles vaccine, Zostavax.

If you are unsure whether Shingrix is recommended for you, ask your Skippack Pharmacy pharmacist or healthcare provider.

What If You Have Already Had Shingles?

Yes—you should still receive Shingrix even if you have had shingles in the past.

Having shingles once does not mean you cannot get it again. Shingrix can help reduce your risk of another episode and shingles-related complications.

There is no specific amount of time that everyone must wait after having shingles before receiving Shingrix. However, you should not receive Shingrix while you are experiencing an active shingles episode. Generally, wait until the shingles rash has gone away before getting vaccinated.

Why Are Two Shingrix Doses Important?

About 1 in 3 people in the United States will develop shingles during their lifetime, and the risk increases as we get older.

Shingles can cause a painful rash and may lead to complications such as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)—nerve pain that can continue for months or even years after the shingles rash disappears.

Shingrix provides strong protection against shingles and its complications. In adults age 50 and older with healthy immune systems, vaccination is more than 90% effective at preventing shingles and PHN.

Completing both recommended doses gives you the protection expected from the full Shingrix series.

Do You Need a Shingrix Booster?

Once you have completed the recommended two-dose Shingrix series, the CDC’s current adult vaccination schedule does not call for a routine additional Shingrix booster.

Vaccine recommendations can change over time, so your pharmacist can help you stay up to date with the latest recommendations.

What Side Effects Can You Expect After Shingrix?

Shingrix can cause temporary side effects as your immune system responds to the vaccine.

Common side effects can include:

• Pain, redness, or swelling where the vaccine was given
• Tiredness
• Muscle aches
• Headache
• Chills
• Fever
• Stomach discomfort or nausea

For most people, these symptoms improve on their own within 2 to 3 days.

Some people experience stronger side effects after Shingrix than they do with other vaccines. Even if you experienced these expected side effects after your first dose, you should still receive your second dose.

If you experienced a severe allergic reaction or another serious reaction after your first dose, talk with your pharmacist or healthcare provider before receiving another dose.

How Much Does the Shingles Vaccine Cost?

For people with Medicare Part D, the recommended shingles vaccine is covered with no out-of-pocket cost.

Many private insurance plans also cover Shingrix, although coverage and cost can vary depending on your plan.

Have questions about your coverage? Ask the Skippack Pharmacy team, and we can help check your insurance before vaccination.

Ready for Your First or Second Shingrix Dose?

Whether you are ready for your first Shingrix vaccine or realized that your second dose is months—or even years—overdue, Skippack Pharmacy can help you get protected.

Not sure which dose you need or when you received your last one? Talk with our pharmacy team and we can help you determine your next step.

Schedule Your Shingles Vaccine at Skippack Pharmacy

One dose means you started the series.

Two doses mean you completed it.

Written by:

Vaishnavi Shah 

Resources 

• Shingles Vaccination
• Clinical Considerations for Shingrix Use in Immunocompromised Adults Aged ≥19 Years

This article is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Vaccine recommendations may vary depending on your health history, allergies, medications, and immune system.