If you have a weakened immune system due to a condition (for example, rheumatoid arthritis) or due to a treatment (for example, chemotherapy), you may be at higher risk of developing shingles (herpes zoster). Shingles can have serious complications such as long-lasting nerve pain, vision problems, increased risk of stroke and heart attack, and even hospitalization. The good news is that the shingles vaccine, Shingrix, is now officially recommended for adults aged 18 and over who are immunocompromised.
This updated guidance comes from Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), which reviewed research showing that Shingrix is both effective and safe in people with lower immunity. The vaccine can lower your risk of shingles by up to 90%, and even helps prevent post-herpetic neuralgia, a long-lasting nerve pain that can follow a shingles infection.
If you’re immunocompromised, you should receive two doses of Shingrix, ideally 2 to 6 months apart, but it can be taken as early as one month apart. This update makes it clear that preventing shingles is possible, and you don’t have to wait until you’re 50!
Public health supply of this vaccine is made available to physician offices for people aged 65 to 70. Outside of that age range, many people use a private insurance plan or pay out of pocket. Several patient support programs for advanced therapies in rheumatology, dermatology, and gastroenterology will support the cost of vaccines, such as Shingrix.
Joyce Ayad is a pharmacist at Charlton Health, who believes in providing patient-focused care, supported by her previous experience working with specialty drugs, the pharmaceutical industry, and more.