Missed Second Shingrix Shot: What To Do

Hello and thanks for reaching out to us!

I'm more than happy to answer this question for you regarding the shingles vaccine (Shingrix).

To start off, let's go over how Shingrix is recommended to be given.

Shingrix Recommended Schedule

Shingrix is a vaccine FDA-approved for the prevention of herpes zoster (shingles) in adults aged 50 years and older. It is administered as an intramuscular injection (into the muscle) in a 2 dose series.

After the first dose is administered, the second dose should be administered two to six months later. 

The first and second doses of Shingrix are actually the same. There is no difference in dose or vaccine component. They are simply two doses given at separate times.

Now, let's talk about what you should do if you don't get your second Shingrix dose on time.

Missed Second Dose

As mentioned above, it is recommended to have your second dose two to six months after your first dose.

If more than sixth months have elapsed since the first dose of Shingrix, you should still receive the second dose but you should not to restart the series over.

In other words, if you "miss" the second dose of Shingrix, it is still recommended to get it as soon as possible per the CDC (Centers for Disease Control).

However, this alternative dosing schedule has not been studied extensively and it is unknown whether or not you are at an increased risk for shingles versus those who had the vaccine doses on time.

The following is from the Centers for Disease Control website:

"You and patients should make every effort to ensure that two doses are administered within the recommended interval. If more than 6 months have elapsed since the first dose, administer the second dose as soon as possible. Do not restart the vaccine series, and do not substitute Zostavax® (zoster vaccine live) for the second dose of Shingrix. If you are out of Shingrix and a patient needs a second dose, the Vaccine Finder may be helpful for patients to locate other providers that have Shingrix."

So, to summarize all of the above:

• Get the second dose as soon as possible.
• Do not restart the vaccine series.
• Do not substitute Zostavax (zoster vaccine live) for the second dose of Shingrix

Final words

Thanks again for reaching out to us.

Let us know if anything else comes up for you and we'd be more than happy to help.