- Zoster (Shingles)
- Contraindications & Precautions
What are the contraindications to Shingrix?
The only contraindication is a severe allergic reaction to a vaccine component or following a prior dose.
Last reviewed:
March 9, 2022
Ask the Experts: Zoster (Shingles): Contraindications & Precautions
Results (8)
- Zoster (Shingles)
- Contraindications & Precautions
What are the precautions to the administration of Shingrix?
The only precaution is the presence of a moderate or severe acute illness, including having an active case of herpes zoster. If the patient has zoster, vaccination should be deferred until lesions have crusted and symptoms have abated.
There is currently no ACIP recommendation for RZV use in pregnancy; therefore, providers should consider delaying RZV until after pregnancy. There is no recommendation for pregnancy testing before vaccination.
Last reviewed:
March 9, 2022
- Zoster (Shingles)
- Contraindications & Precautions
I have an immunocompromised patient who recently gave birth and is breastfeeding. Do we defer Shingrix until breastfeeding ends?
Breastfeeding is NOT a precaution to vaccination with Shingrix (RZV). Recombinant vaccines such as RZV pose no known risk to mothers who are breastfeeding or to their infants. Clinicians should consider vaccination without regard to breastfeeding status if RZV is otherwise indicated.
Last reviewed:
March 9, 2022
- Zoster (Shingles)
- Contraindications & Precautions
If an adult eligible for RZV has already had zoster with postherpetic neuralgia or ophthalmic complications, when can they receive zoster vaccine?
Once they are no longer acutely ill, they can be vaccinated with Shingrix. There is no evidence that vaccine will have therapeutic effect for a person with existing zoster or postherpetic neuralgia.
Last reviewed:
March 9, 2022
- Zoster (Shingles)
- Contraindications & Precautions
How long should we wait before giving Shingrix to a patient who has had a blood transfusion?
There is no waiting period for administering Shingrix following transfusion. Shingrix contains no live virus so may be given at any time after receipt of a blood product.
Last reviewed:
March 9, 2022
- Zoster (Shingles)
- Contraindications & Precautions
A 65-year-old patient is having major back surgery next week. He is requesting zoster vaccine today. Can I give him the vaccine?
Yes. Shingrix can be administered in this situation.
Last reviewed:
March 9, 2022
- Zoster (Shingles)
- Contraindications & Precautions
We have a 61-year-old patient who is taking 500 mg of valacyclovir (Valtrex) daily. Can she receive Shingrix?
Yes. Acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir are antiviral drugs that are active against herpesviruses. These drugs will have no effect on Shingrix, which does not contain live varicella virus.
Last reviewed:
March 9, 2022
- Zoster (Shingles)
- Contraindications & Precautions
If my patient is taking Tamiflu (oseltamivir), can she receive zoster vaccine?
Yes. Although oseltamivir is an antiviral drug, it is only effective against influenza A and B viruses. Shingrix does not contain live virus and will not be affected by oseltamivir.
Last reviewed:
March 9, 2022