Can You Get The First And Second Dose Of Shingrix At Different Places?
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses if you are able to get each dose of Shingrix at a different location.
Can I get the 1st and 2nd shingles shots at different places?
May 31, 2021- You can get your first and second Shingrix doses at different pharmacies as long as you receive the second dose between 2 to 6 months after your first dose.
- Each dose of Shingrix contains the same vaccine components, so it doesn't matter which pharmacy administers either dose.
- When you get your second dose, tell the pharmacist you've already received your first dose and when you got it so they have complete information for your medical records.
Hi John and Carole and thank you for your question.
Shingrix: The Two Dose Shingles Vaccine
I just want to point out before I get started that there are two different shingles vaccines. By far, the most common is Shingrix.
There is an older, single dose vaccine called Zostavax which is rarely used anymore. The newest shingles vaccine, Shingrix is a two dose vaccine series. Shingrix is what I'll be referring to from here on out.
After you get the first dose of Shingrix, you should return to get the final dose within 2-6 months. Clinical trials showed that it prevented shingles in about 90% of patients receiving the vaccine series when compared to placebo.
Now, to answer your question specifically, yes, you can get the first and second dose of Shingrix (the vaccine for shingles) at different places (e.g. two different pharmacies). As long as you get your second dose at the correct time (2-6 months after your first dose), it does not matter where you get the doses.
A good bit of information to know is that each dose of Shingrix is the same vaccine, with the same components. Shingrix doesn't have a labeled 'first' or 'second dose' and a 'second dose' isn't put aside after someone receives their first.
I’ve given the first or second dose to a number of patients that travel south every winter or when they return in the spring, so it’s not uncommon. Realistically, the Shingrix that is in my pharmacy refrigerator is the same as others. The drug may have a different lot number or might have been produced at different times, but the drug and effect are the same as long as it hasn’t expired and has been stored correctly.
What Else To Know
Assuming that you get it at your local pharmacy, when you get your second dose, please let the pharmacist know that you’ve already had dose 1, and when you had the dose. That way, the pharmacy staff knows not to contact you for a follow up.
Also, be sure to have your primary care physician's information handy; that way the pharmacy can send them the vaccine information to update your health file.
Thanks again for your question!
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Placebo
- a harmless substance given to a comparison group in a study so researchers can measure the real vaccine's effectiveness.
- Vaccine series
- a set of vaccine doses given at scheduled intervals to build up immunity to a disease.
- Lot number
- a unique code assigned to a batch of medication produced at the same time to track and identify it.
- Clinical trials
- controlled studies conducted on people to test whether a medical treatment is safe and effective.
- Components
- the individual ingredients that make up a vaccine or medication.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
More answers from Brian →