Shingles vaccinations seeing a deficit?
The Shingrix vaccine, a recombinant vaccine designed to protect against shingles and its most common complication, postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), has seen improved availability since the shortage in 2019.
The 2019 shortage was primarily due to very high demand exceeding supply shortly after the vaccine's approval. Shingrix, a relatively new vaccine introduced to prevent shingles, was recommended broadly for adults over 50 and other risk groups. Manufacturers struggled to scale up production quickly enough to meet this unexpected surge in demand.
However, since 2019, the availability of Shingrix has improved significantly. The manufacturer increased production capacity over time, and distribution has expanded to better meet demand. Now, Shingrix is generally more accessible for eligible individuals, and shortages are much less common compared to the initial years following its introduction.
Shingrix provides immunity against the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which causes shingles. It is the only protection against shingles and its complications. The vaccine should be administered in two doses between 2 and 6 months apart by a healthcare professional.
It is crucial to note that Shingrix should not be administered to people who currently have shingles, are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, or are allergic to any components of the vaccine.
For those in the United States who have experienced a severe allergic reaction to the shingles vaccine, they can report it online using the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System.
Shingles is most common in older adults, and in those aged 70 years and above, Shingrix is 91% effective in preventing shingles. In those aged 50-69 years, Shingrix is 97% effective in preventing shingles. The vaccine offers benefits in preventing shingles in those with weakened immune systems, with effectiveness ranging from 68-91%.
Shingles occurs when dormant VZV in the nervous system from a past episode of chickenpox reactivates. This viral infection can cause a painful rash on one side of the face or body.
In summary, the 2019 shortage of the Shingrix vaccine was due to high demand exceeding supply after its introduction. However, current availability has improved with expanded production and better distribution, making the vaccine widely accessible and recommended for eligible individuals.
- For those over 50 and other risk groups, Shingrix, a vaccine designed to protect against shingles and its complications, has become generally more accessible due to improved production and distribution since the 2019 shortage.
- Shingles, caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), can be prevented by the Shingrix vaccine, which provides immunity by being administered in two doses.
- However, it's important to note that Shingrix should not be administered to pregnant women, those allergic to any components of the vaccine, or those currently suffering from shingles.
- The benefits of Shingrix extend to immunocompromised individuals and those with other immunological disorders, offering protection against shingles with effectiveness ranging from 68-91%.
