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Technically Speaking
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February 2018
Technically Speaking
Monthly Column by Deborah Wexler, MD
Deborah Wexler MD
Technically Speaking is a monthly column written by IAC’s Executive Director Deborah Wexler, MD. The column is featured in The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Vaccine Education Center’s (VEC's) monthly e-newsletter for healthcare professionals. Technically Speaking columns cover practical topics in immunization delivery such as needle length, vaccine administration, cold chain, and immunization schedules.
Check out a recent issue of Vaccine Update for Healthcare Providers. The VEC e-newsletter keeps providers up to date on vaccine-related issues and includes reviews of recently published journal articles, media recaps, announcements about new resources, and a regularly updated calendar of events.
TECHNICALLY SPEAKING
CDC Publishes Updated Guidance on the Use of Zoster Vaccines
Published February 2018
A new vaccine for the prevention of herpes zoster was licensed by the Food and Drug Administration in October 2017. Recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV, Shingrix®; GSK) is a subunit vaccine that contains recombinant varicella zoster virus glycoprotein E in combination with a novel adjuvant (AS01B). Shingrix does not contain live varicella zoster virus. It is approved for people 50 years and older and administered as a two-dose series with doses separated by two to six months.

Recommendations

Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices for Use of Herpes Zoster Vaccines was published on Jan. 26, and is available on the MMWR website. The major recommendations contained in this guidance are:

  • Shingrix is recommended for the prevention of herpes zoster and related complications for immunocompetent adults 50 years of age and older.
  • It is recommended for the prevention of herpes zoster and related complications for immunocompetent adults who previously received zoster vaccine live (ZVL, Zostavax®; Merck).
  • Zostavax remains a recommended vaccine for prevention of herpes zoster and its complications in immunocompetent adults 60 years of age and older. However, Shingrix is preferred over Zostavax in this age group.

Storage and administration

There are several important differences between Shingrix and Zostavax that staff must understand to avoid storage and administration errors.

Shingrix

  • Must be stored in the refrigerator only. If the lyophilized vaccine, the adjuvant solution, or the reconstituted vaccine is frozen, it must be discarded.
  • Must be reconstituted only with the adjuvant liquid suspension that is provided. After reconstitution, administer Shingrix immediately by the intramuscular route or store the reconstituted vaccine 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 or if frozen.
  • Is administered intramuscularly (IM). It should not be administered subcutaneously. However, CDC has advised that a dose administered by the subcutaneous route does not need to be repeated.

Zostavax

  • Must be stored in a freezer at a temperature of between -50°C and -15°C (between -58°F and +5°F) until it is reconstituted. The diluent should be stored separately at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
  • May be stored at refrigerator temperature between 2°C and 8°C (between 36°F and 46°F) for up to 72 continuous hours prior to reconstitution. Zostavax stored between 2°C and 8°C that is not used within 72 hours of removal from a freezer should be discarded.
  • Is to be administered subcutaneously (Subcut) immediately after reconstitution to minimize loss of potency. If the vaccine is not administered within 30 minutes of reconstitution, it must be discarded.

Related resources
CDC and manufacturer resources

IAC resources

2018 ISSUES >> view all issues
DECEMBER 2018
Looking Back Over 2018 Can Help Ensure Optimal Vaccination Practices in 2019
NOVEMBER 2018
CDC's Vaccine Administration Training Materials – A Great Collection of 4-Minute Videos and Web-Based Training Programs
OCTOBER 2018
Let's Get It Right! How to Avoid Shoulder Injury with Deltoid Intramuscular Injections
SEPTEMBER 2018
What's New for Flu This Season?
JULY/AUGUST 2018
CDC Publishes Recommendations that Newborns Receive Hepatitis B Vaccine within 24 Hours of Birth — AAFP, AAP and ACOG Concur
JUNE 2018
History of Fever > 105 Degrees, Inconsolable Crying, and Hypotonic Episode Following a Previous DTaP Dose Are No Longer Precautions According to ACIP
MAY 2018
Immunize.org Provides a Wide Range of Practical Resources on Vaccine Administration, Storage and Handling, and More
APRIL 2018
New! 2018 Laminated U.S. Immunization Schedules and Updated Educational Materials
MARCH 2018
Subscribe to IZ Express from the Immunization Action Coalition
FEBRUARY 2018
CDC Publishes Updated Guidance on the Use of Zoster Vaccines
JANUARY 2018
CDC Issues New Requirements for VFC Vaccine Storage
 
This page was updated on March 9, 2018.
This page was reviewed on March 9, 2018.
 
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