Article is sponsored by GSK.
As you know, shingles is a painful, itchy rash that occurs on one side of the body and typically lasts 7 to 10 days.1 During the episode, the pain can be quite severe and limit patients’ abilities to perform daily activities.2 It may not end with the rash. I have seen patients struggle to sleep because of the intensity of the pain. When people think of shingles, they usually don’t think of the excruciating pain that can come with it. And for some, that pain can last long after the acute phase resolves.3 As physicians, we have all probably heard patients describe the debilitating pain that can be associated with postherpetic neuralgia.
Herpes zoster may not be life threatening, but it can often disrupt patients’ lives.3 In my experience, during the acute phase of the rash, I have seen patients less able to do activities they enjoy. Many of my shingles patients also feel misunderstood because their family and friends don’t understand the pain that can be associated with shingles.
It is difficult for us, as healthcare professionals, to predict those who will develop shingles or its potential complications. In patients who go on to have pain for months and months, the only thing we can do is try to alleviate the symptoms.
As physicians, we know that the best medicine is often prevention via vaccination. Yet, many of those who may benefit from a vaccine are not receiving it for a multitude of reasons.
Our job of educating patients regarding the appropriateness of vaccination has never been harder. It is often a frustrating task. Yet, it remains our job to give our patients the best care and recommendations; part of this is educating them about shingles and how to help prevent it.
Recommending SHINGRIX (Zoster Vaccine Recombinant, Adjuvanted) to appropriate patients ≥50 years old should become part of our plan.
Indication
SHINGRIX is a vaccine indicated for prevention of herpes zoster (shingles) in adults aged 50 years and older.
SHINGRIX is not indicated for prevention of primary varicella infection (chickenpox).
Important Safety Information
- SHINGRIX is contraindicated in anyone with a history of a severe allergic reaction (eg, anaphylaxis) to any component of the vaccine or after a previous dose of SHINGRIX (Continued below)
Patients look to us for guidance, and what we say makes a difference. We should educate them on shingles and the possible complications and that vaccination might not be cost prohibitive.4,* SHINGRIX is $0 for most patients ≥50 years old.5,6,† Depending on age and coverage, the best time to vaccinate patients is in the office after providing them with relevant information. And for those of us who don’t carry SHINGRIX in our offices, most pharmacies do, and we can direct our patients there, even giving them a prescription for the vaccine and helping them schedule the appointment.
We will continue to hear the complaints of our patients who are suffering from shingles. That’s why I’d rather try to help prevent shingles—and we can do that by making a strong recommendation for vaccination with SHINGRIX.
*SHINGRIX is not indicated for the prevention of PHN or other complications.
†Coverage and cost may vary and are subject to change without notice. Reimbursement decisions are made by individual insurance plans.
Important Safety Information (cont’d)
- Review immunization history for possible vaccine sensitivity and previous vaccination-related adverse reactions. Appropriate medical treatment and supervision must be available to manage possible anaphylactic reactions following administration of SHINGRIX
- In a postmarketing observational study, an increased risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome was observed during the 42 days following vaccination with SHINGRIX
- Syncope (fainting) can be associated with the administration of injectable vaccines, including SHINGRIX. Procedures should be in place to avoid falling injury and to restore cerebral perfusion following syncope
- Solicited local adverse reactions reported in individuals aged 50 years and older were pain (78%), redness (38%), and swelling (26%)
- Solicited general adverse reactions reported in individuals aged 50 years and older were myalgia (45%), fatigue (45%), headache (38%), shivering (27%), fever (21%), and gastrointestinal symptoms (17%)
- The data are insufficient to establish if there is vaccine-associated risk with SHINGRIX in pregnant women
- It is not known whether SHINGRIX is excreted in human milk. Data are not available to assess the effects of SHINGRIX on the breastfed infant or on milk production/excretion
- Vaccination with SHINGRIX may not result in protection of all vaccine recipients
Please see full Prescribing Information for SHINGRIX.
References: 1. Shingles symptoms and complications. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. April 19, 2024. Accessed May 21, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/ shingles/signs-symptoms/index.html 2. Curran D, Matthews S, Boutry C, Lecrenier N, Cunningham AL, Schmader K. Natural history of herpes zoster in the placebo groups of three randomized phase III clinical trials. Infect Dis Ther. 2022;11(6):2265-2277. 3. Harpaz R, Ortega-Sanchez IR, Seward JF; Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Prevention of herpes zoster: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). MMWR Recomm Rep. 2008;57(RR-5):1-30. 4. Prescribing Information for SHINGRIX. 5. Data on file, GSK. 6. Kirchhoff SM. Selected Health Provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act. Congressional Research Service. 2022;1-3. Accessed March 1, 2024. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF12203
For US Healthcare Professionals.
