What is Herpes Zoster?
Herpes Zoster (Shingles) is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After you've had chickenpox, the virus lies inactive in nerve tissue near your spinal cord and brain. Years later, if your body and immune system are weak, the virus may reactivate as shingles.
A shingles rash usually develops on one side of the face or body along a dermatome. The rash consists of blisters that break open and crust over. Pain is usually the first symptom of shingles which is frequently accompanied by burning, numbness or tingling sensations. Patients may have fever, malaise, headache and myalgia. For some people, severe pain can continue even long after the rash has cleared up. This long-lasting pain is called post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN).
Why should get Herpes Zoster vaccine?
Your risk of shingles and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) increases as you get older. The Herpes Zoster vaccine reduces the risk of shingles and the risk of post-herpetic neuralgia. Currently, there are 2 types of herpes zoster vaccine available in Thailand.
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SKYZoster®
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Shingrix®
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A preparation of live-attenuated zoster vaccine used in adults 50 years and older. Dosage of vaccine is a single 0.5 milliliter dose subcutaneously.
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A preparation of recombinant zoster vaccine. This vaccine is given as a 2-dose series (0.5 mL each) intramuscularly (usually upper arm). The second dose administered 2 to 6 months after the first dose. Based on your medical condition, your doctor may also recommend that you receive the second dose 1 month after the first dose.
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Clinical efficacy data
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- In age 50-59 years old, efficacy for prevention of herpes zoster is 69.8% and for prevention of post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) is 66.5%.
- In age 60 years and older, the efficacy for prevention of herpes zoster is 51% and for prevention of post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) is 39%.
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- For adults 50 years and older, the vaccine is more than 90% effective at preventing shingles and post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN).
- For adults 18 years and older who have or will have weakened immune systems because of disease or therapy, the vaccine is 68-91% effective in preventing shingles.
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As with all vaccines, Shingrix may not fully protect all people who are vaccinated. If people do develop shingles, the vaccine may reduce the severity of their symptoms.
Who should get Herpes Zoster vaccine?
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SKYZoster®
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Shingrix®
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- Adults 50 years of age and older
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- Adults 50 years and older
- Adults 18 years and older who are at increased risk of shingles
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Who should not get the herpes zoster vaccine?
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SKYZoster®
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Shingrix®
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- A person who has ever had a life-threatening or severe allergic reaction to gelatin, the antibiotic neomycin, or any other component of the vaccine.
- Women who are or might be pregnant. Pregnancy should be avoided for 3 months following administration of vaccine.
- A person who has a weakened immune system because of:
- HIV/AIDS or another disease that affects the immune system. Cancer affecting the bone marrow or lymphatic system, such as leukemia or lymphoma
- Treatment with drugs that affect the immune system, such as high dose steroids, immunosuppressive drugs, chemotherapy.
- Current herpes zoster infection.
- Anyone with a moderate or severe acute illness with or without fever should usually wait until they recover before getting the vaccine.
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- Severe hypersensitivity (e.g., anaphylaxis) to recombinant zoster vaccine or any component of the formulation.
- Pregnant woman
- Current herpes zoster infection.
- Anyone with a moderate or severe acute illness with or without fever should usually wait until they recover before getting the vaccine.
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What is the possible side effect of herpes zoster vaccine?
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Local reactions
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Pain, redness, soreness, swelling, itching and induration at the site of the injection.
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Systemic reactions
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Muscle pain, fatigue, general discomfort, headache, diarrhea, vomiting and fever.
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Severe Reactions
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- Swelling of limbs, face, eyes, inside of nose, mouth or throat
- Shortness of breath, breathing or swallowing difficulties
- Hives, itching (especially of the hands or feet), reddening of skin (especially around the ears), or severe skin reactions
- Unusual tiredness or weakness or paralysis that is sudden and severe
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Drug Interaction between herpes zoster vaccine and other medications
Zoster vaccine, can be administered concurrently in different injection site with other live and inactivated vaccines, including those routinely recommended for people with certain ages, such as influenza and pneumococcal vaccines, unless contraindications exist.
Reference
For more information please contact:
- Vaccination Center
07.00-16.00 (BKK Time)
Tel: 02 011 3193
Contact center 02 066 8888 or 1378
Last modify: March 05, 2025