How Fast Does Recombinant Zoster Vaccination Protection Wane

A U.S. CDC-funded Original Research study concluded that two doses of recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) were highly effective, although less effective against Herpes Zoster (shingles) than in the previous clinical trials.

Published by the Annals of Internal Medicine on January 9, 2024, this Real-World Setting study included nearly 2 million persons who contributed 7.6 million person-years of follow-up.

After adjustment, the vaccine efficacy (VE) of 1 dose was 64%, and VE of 2 doses was 76%.

After one dose only, VE was 70% during the first year, 45% during the second year, 48% during the third year, and 52% after the third year.

After two doses, VE was 79% during the first year, 75% during the second year, and 73% during the third and fourth years.

These findings underscore the importance of the second vaccine dose, wrote these researchers.

Currently, the CDC recommends the Shingrix® vaccine to prevent herpes zoster and related complications for most adults aged 50 and older. 

There is no specific time you need to wait before administering Shingrix to patients who have had herpes zoster.

However, it would be best if you did not give Shingrix to patients who are experiencing an acute episode of herpes zoster or a pregnant woman.