The standard schedule: one dose, then a booster

If you are 65 or older, you need two doses of the shingles vaccine Shingrix, given two to six months apart. After you complete both doses, you do not need another shingles vaccine. The protection from Shingrix lasts at least seven years based on the studies done so far, and researchers are still tracking how long it actually lasts.

This is different from the older vaccine, Zostavax, which required a booster after five years. Shingrix replaced Zostavax in 2017, and the CDC now recommends Shingrix for all adults 50 and older, including those who previously received Zostavax.

If you had Zostavax in the past, you can receive Shingrix. Wait at least 12 months after your Zostavax dose before getting Shingrix, though you do not have to wait if you prefer to get it sooner.

Key Takeaways

  • You need two doses of Shingrix, spaced two to six months apart, and then you are done — no booster is required.
  • Protection from Shingrix has been shown to last at least seven years, and studies are ongoing to determine how much longer it lasts.
  • If you previously received Zostavax, you should still get Shingrix, waiting at least 12 months between the two vaccines if possible.
  • Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you whether you need both doses or just one based on your vaccination history.

What happens if you only got one dose

If you received only one dose of Shingrix and have not yet had the second, you need to complete the series. The second dose should be given two to six months after the first dose. If more than six months have passed, you can still get the second dose — you do not have to restart from the beginning.

One dose alone does not provide full protection. Studies show that after one dose, protection is lower and wanes faster than after the complete two-dose series. Getting the second dose is important for the level of protection Shingrix is designed to give.

If you received Zostavax and want to know about Shingrix

Zostavax, the older shingles vaccine, was given as a single shot and required a booster five years later. If you received Zostavax, you should still get Shingrix. The CDC recommends waiting at least 12 months after your last Zostavax dose, but you do not have to wait if you choose not to.

Once you start the Shingrix series, follow the standard two-dose schedule. You do not need to count your Zostavax doses toward Shingrix — they are separate vaccines, and Shingrix is more effective.

When to get your second dose if you missed the window

The recommended spacing for the two Shingrix doses is two to six months apart. If you missed your appointment and more than six months have passed, you can still get the second dose. There is no need to restart the series or get a third dose to make up for the delay.

If you are unsure whether you completed the series, ask your doctor or pharmacist to check your vaccination record. They can tell you whether you need a second dose or whether you are already fully vaccinated.

How protection changes over time

In the clinical trials that led to FDA approval, Shingrix showed about 90 percent effectiveness at preventing shingles in people over 50 during the first two years after vaccination. By year seven, effectiveness remained above 85 percent. Researchers continue to follow vaccinated people to see how long protection lasts beyond seven years.

Because studies are still ongoing, the CDC has not yet set a booster schedule for Shingrix. If future data shows that protection drops significantly after a certain number of years, the recommendation may change. For now, two doses is the standard, and no booster is recommended.

Shingrix and other vaccines at 65 and older

You can receive Shingrix at the same visit as other vaccines, such as the flu shot, pneumococcal vaccine, or COVID-19 vaccine. They can be given in different arms. There is no waiting period required between Shingrix and other vaccines.

If you are due for multiple vaccines, your doctor or pharmacist can help you plan the timing. Some people prefer to space vaccines out to manage side effects, though this is a personal choice and not medically necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a booster shot after I finish the two doses?

No. After you complete both doses of Shingrix, you do not need a booster. Protection has been shown to last at least seven years, and no booster is currently recommended. If future research shows protection wanes significantly after many years, the CDC may update this guidance, but that has not happened yet.

What if I am 65 and have never had a shingles vaccine?

You should get Shingrix. Start with the first dose and schedule the second dose two to six months later. Your doctor or pharmacist can give you both doses or refer you to a location that offers the vaccine.

Can I get Shingrix if I am younger than 65?

Yes. The CDC recommends Shingrix for all adults 50 and older. If you are between 50 and 64, you can get it now rather than waiting until 65. The schedule is the same: two doses, two to six months apart.

What if I had chickenpox as a child — do I still need Shingrix?

Yes. Having had chickenpox means the virus is dormant in your nerve tissue, which is why shingles can develop later. Shingrix protects against reactivation of that virus. Nearly all adults in the United States have had chickenpox or been exposed to it, so almost everyone over 50 should get Shingrix.

How do I know if I already got both doses?

Check your vaccination record or ask your doctor's office or pharmacy. They can look up your Shingrix doses in your medical record or the state immunization registry. If you are unsure, it is safe to ask before scheduling another dose.