Ask the Experts: Zoster (Shingles): Storage & Handling

There are two presentations of Shingrix: a manufacturer-filled syringe (MFS) and a presentation that requires reconstitution with a lyophilized antigen vial and an adjuvant suspension vial. Both presentations, including the lyophilized antigen vial and the adjuvant suspension diluent, must be stored at refrigerator temperature, between 2° and 8°C (between 36° and 46°F). Protect from light. Do not freeze. Vaccine or adjuvant solution that has been frozen must be discarded. If vaccine that was frozen was administered, the dose does not count and should be repeated. The repeat dose should be administered 4 weeks after the frozen dose. When using the presentation that requires reconstitution, after reconstitution, administer Shingrix immediately or store refrigerated between 2° and 8°C (between 36° and 46°F) and use within 6 hours. Discard reconstituted vaccine if not used within 6 hours.

Shingrix is stored at refrigerator temperature. Transport of refrigerated vaccines is described in detail in the CDC Storage and Handling Toolkit, available at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/admin/storage/toolkit/storage-handling-toolkit.pdf, beginning on page 23. Providers should also review the vaccine package inserts for the specific vaccines being transported.