Herpes Zoster Vaccine Becomes Easier to Administer

With about one million people developing herpes zoster (shingles) in the US each year, simplifying the vaccination process is essential for at-risk seniors.

Approximately 99% of older adults have the virus that causes shingles inside their bodies.

With 55 million Americans aged 65 or older, many of whom live in California, Florida, and Texas, accessing the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved Shingrix® vaccine is a priority.

GSK plc, the manufacturer of Shingrix, announced that the FDA has recently approved a prefilled syringe presentation, which eliminates the need to reconstitute the vaccine separately before administration, thereby simplifying the vaccine administration process for healthcare professionals.

Brigid Groves, Vice President of Professional Affairs at the American Pharmacists Association, stated in a press release on July 17, 2025, "The prefilled syringe presentation of GSK's shingles vaccine is good news, providing a convenient method of administration."

"The FDA approval is a positive step toward driving prevention of this painful disease, and as a practicing pharmacist, I welcome the availability of this new presentation."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends two doses of GSK's shingles vaccine to prevent shingles and related complications in adults aged 50 years or older. Additionally, two doses are recommended for adults aged 19 years or older who are or will be immunocompromised or immunosuppressed.

 The CDC states that as people age, the strength of their immune system's response to infection wanes, increasing the risk of developing shingles.

Additionally, Shingrix vaccination may play a role in delaying the onset of dementia.

Over the past few years, various studies have reported causal evidence that herpes zoster vaccination may prevent a proportion of dementia cases.