Categories: The Charlton Centre

NACI Releases Official Statement on Shingrix Vaccination in Immunocompromised Individuals

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.

admin

Recent Posts

Tremfya: New Dosing Options for Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

Tremfya (guselkumab) has been available for several years to treat plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.…

2 weeks ago

Happy Back-to-School!

This week, many will return to school, and it's no secret that the back-to-school season…

4 weeks ago

Staying Hydrated in the Summer

Staying well hydrated is important in every season, but it becomes especially crucial during thesummer.…

1 month ago

World Hepatitis Day

Last week, on July 28th, we observed World Hepatitis Day, a day dedicated to raising…

2 months ago

Traveling This Summer with Biologics? Here’s What You Need to Know

Summer is a great time to get out and see new sights. Whether you're planning…

2 months ago

Summer Sun Safety

Now that the warmer weather is here, many of us are spending more time enjoying…

3 months ago