Vacuna contra el herpes zóster
Zostavax, Shingrix
Revisado por pares por Sid DajaniÚltima actualización por Michael Stewart, MRPharmSÚltima actualización 12 Sept 2022
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Zostavax® or Shingrix® are given as part of a vaccine immunisation programme to protect against shingles.
The vaccine will be injected under your skin or into the muscle of your upper arm.
The most common side-effects are tenderness at the site of the injection and headache. These should soon pass.
De un vistazo
The shingles vaccine helps prevent shingles, an infection caused by the chickenpox virus.
It is offered to people aged 70 to 79 and those over 18 at higher risk of shingles.
Zostavax® is a live vaccine, but Shingrix®, an inactivated vaccine, is now mainly used.
Most people will receive two doses of the Shingrix® vaccine.
Common side-effects include pain or swelling where the injection was given.
About shingles vaccine
Tipo de medicamento | Herpes zoster vaccine |
Usado para | Prevention of shingles (herpes zoster) in people over 50 years of age and people over the age of 18 at higher risk of developing shingles |
También llamado | Zostavax®, Shingrix® |
Disponible como | Subcutaneous or intramuscular injection |
Herpes zóster is an infection of a nerve and the area of skin supplied by the nerve. It is caused by a virus called the varicella-zoster virus (this is the same virus that causes virus de la varicela). Shingles is sometimes called herpes zoster. The symptoms of shingles are a skin rash, blisters and pain. These occur in the areas of skin that the infected nerves supply. The pain may continue even after the rash and skin blisters have healed.
Shingles can occur at any age, but it is most common in people over the age of 50 years. A vaccine against the varicella-zoster virus has been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of older people developing shingles. In the UK from September 2013, a shingles vaccine immunisation programme was introduced for people aged 70 years to protect against herpes zoster. There is also a catch-up programme which offers the vaccine to anyone aged between 70 and 79 years who may have previously missed out on immunisation.
Zostavax® is a live vaccine which contains a weakened form of the varicella-zoster virus. Because of this it is not suitable for people with a weakened immune system. An inactivated vaccine called Shingrix®, which does not contain live virus, is now available for people with a weakened immune system.
From 1st September 2023 everyone who is eligible for vaccination under the UK iimmunisation programme will receive two doses of Shingrix® vacccine, once central stocks of Zostavax® have been used up.
Before having shingles vaccine
Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before having shingles vaccine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
If you feel unwell or have a high temperature.
If you have been told you have a weakened immune system. This may be a result of an illness or taking other medicines.
Si alguna vez has tenido una reacción alérgica a un medicamento.
Si está tomando otros medicamentos. Esto incluye cualquier medicamento que esté tomando y que esté disponible para comprar sin receta, así como medicamentos herbales y complementarios.
If you could be pregnant or are planning to become pregnant.
How shingles vaccine is given
Before you are given this treatment, ask to read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. The leaflet will give you more information about the vaccine and a full list of side-effects which you may experience from having it.
You will be given two doses of Shingrix® vaccine by your doctor or nurse. They will be given between eight weeks and 12 months apart, depending on your immune status. The vaccine is injected just underneath your skin or into a muscle, usually in your upper arm.
If Zostavax® is used to vaccinate against shingles, only one dose is needed.
Can shingles vaccine cause problems?
Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.
Very common Zostavax® side-effects (these affect more than 1 in 10 people) | ¿Qué puedo hacer si experimento esto? |
Pain, redness, swelling, or itching at the site of the injection | Esto debería pasar pronto |
Common Zostavax® side-effects (these affect fewer than 1 in 10 people) |
|
Headache, joint pain or muscle pain | Drink plenty of water. If troublesome, take a dose of a suitable painkiller |
High temperature (fever), skin rash | Drink plenty of water and ask a pharmacist to recommend suitable remedies. Talk to your doctor if you develop a blistering rash |
Very common Shingrix® side-effects (these affect more than 1 in 10 people) | ¿Qué puedo hacer si experimento esto? |
Pain, redness, swelling, or itching at the site of the injection | Esto debería pasar pronto |
Feeling sick (nausea), being sick (vomiting), diarrhoea, tummy (abdominal) pain | Stick to simple meals - avoid spicy foods. Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids |
Headache, a high temperature (fever), chills, tiredness, muscle pain | Drink plenty of water. If troublesome, take a dose of a suitable painkiller |
Importante: Zostavax® is a live vaccine, which means that a small amount of live virus could be present in your body and be passed on to other people. This is especially true if you develop a blistering rash within four to six weeks of having the vaccine. Try to keep away from pregnant women and people who you know are at risk from infection, especially if you develop blisters.
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this vaccine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store shingles vaccine
It is unlikely that you will be asked to store the vaccine before it is given to you. If, however, this does happen, keep it refrigerated until it is needed.
Mantenga todos los medicamentos fuera del alcance y la vista de los niños.
Almacenar en un lugar fresco y seco, lejos del calor y la luz directos.
Información importante sobre todos los medicamentos
Información importante sobre todos los medicamentos
Si vas a someterte a una operación o a un tratamiento dental, informa a la persona que realiza el tratamiento sobre los medicamentos que estás tomando.
If you have any questions about this medicine ask your doctor or nurse.
Informar efectos secundarios de un medicamento o vacuna
Si experimenta efectos secundarios, puede reportarlos en línea a través de Sitio web de Yellow Card.
¿Inseguro sobre mezclar medicamentos?
Verifica posibles interacciones entre medicamentos, suplementos y alimentos antes de tomarlos juntos.
Preguntas frecuentes
What is the difference between Zostavax® and Shingrix®?
Zostavax® is a live vaccine containing a weakened form of the varicella-zoster virus, making it unsuitable for people with a weakened immune system. Shingrix® is an inactivated vaccine that does not contain a live virus, which makes it an option for individuals with a weakened immune system. As of September 1, 2023, Shingrix® is the vaccine being offered to eligible individuals in the UK once Zostavax® stocks are used up.
How many doses of the shingles vaccine will I receive?
If you receive the Shingrix® vaccine, you will be given two doses. These doses will be administered between eight weeks and 12 months apart, with the exact timing depending on your immune status. If Zostavax® is used, only one dose is needed.
Are there any specific situations where I should be cautious after receiving the Zostavax® vaccine?
Yes, if you receive Zostavax®, which is a live vaccine, there's a small chance you could pass on the virus to others, especially if you develop a blistering rash within four to six weeks. It's advisable to try and keep away from pregnant women and individuals at risk of infection during this period.
Should I tell my dentist or surgeon that I've had the shingles vaccine?
Yes, it's important to inform any healthcare professional, such as a dentist or surgeon, about all medicines you are taking, which includes recent vaccinations like the shingles vaccine, if you are having an operation or dental treatment.
When should I contact a doctor or pharmacist about side effects from the vaccine?
You should speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any side effects from the vaccine continue or become troublesome. Specifically, if you develop a blistering rash after having a high temperature, you should talk to your doctor.
Lecturas adicionales y referencias
- Manufacturer's PIL, Zostavax®; Merck Sharp and Dohme Limited, The electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated July 2022.
- Medicamentos Completos BNF 89ª Edición; Asociación Médica Británica y Sociedad Real de Farmacia de Gran Bretaña, Londres.
- Manufacturer's PIL, Shingrix® powder and suspension for injection, Herpes zoster vaccine (recombinant, adjuvanted); GlaxoSmithKline UK Ltd, The electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated September 2021.
Sobre el autorVer biografía completa
Helen Allen, MPharm
Farmacéutico, Autor Médico
MPharm
Helen Allen se graduó como farmacéutica en 1979 y pasó 3 años como autora de los folletos de información sobre medicamentos para EMIS.
Acerca del revisor
Sid Dajani
Sultan Dajani se graduó en la Escuela de Farmacia de Londres en 1994 y se convirtió en el miembro más joven elegido para el consejo de la Sociedad Real de Farmacia desde su fundación en 1842.
Historial del artículo
La información en esta página está escrita y revisada por pares por clínicos calificados.
Artículo también disponible en Inglés, Alemán, Español, Francés, Italiano, Portugués, Hindi, Hebreo, Árabe, y Sueco.
Next review due: 11 Mar 2027
12 Sept 2022 | Última versión
11 May 2013 | Publicado originalmente
Escrito por:
Helen Allen, MPharm
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