SHINGRIX is a vaccine that helps protect adults against shingles, a painful condition caused by the chickenpox virus becoming active again later in life.
SHINGRIX is listed under Health Canada DIN 02468425. The product record and monograph below describe this formulation; the dose schedule comes from the Canadian Immunization Guide.
At a glance
Brand
SHINGRIX
DIN
02468425
Vaccine
Recombinant varicella-zoster glycoprotein E, adjuvanted
Presentation
50 mcg / 0.5 mL · suspension · intramuscular · 50 and older, or 18 and older if immunocompromised
Live vaccine
No
Age and suitability depend on the product, the person and the reason for vaccination. Use the planner for a starting point and confirm with a healthcare professional.
Official sources
Use the DIN to confirm this exact product in Health Canada's Drug Product Database.
A listed product may not be stocked or publicly funded.
Before and after your vaccination
Bring your immunization record if you have one, so earlier doses can be checked.
Tell the healthcare professional about a serious reaction to a previous vaccine or an ingredient, and mention any health conditions or medicines that could affect your vaccination.
After the dose, stay where you can be observed for at least 15 minutes. Tell someone right away if you feel faint or develop symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Keep a record of the vaccine name, date and dose you received.
The details below are adapted from a Pharmasist patient handout linked to the same product monograph. The current Canadian Immunization Guide determines the dose schedules shown later.
What this vaccine helps prevent
SHINGRIX is a vaccine that helps protect adults against shingles, a painful condition caused by the chickenpox virus becoming active again later in life.
It is used in adults 50 years of age and older, and in adults 18 and older who have a higher risk of shingles because of a disease or treatment that weakens their immune system.
Shingles usually causes a painful, blistering rash on one part of the body and can lead to long-lasting nerve pain, scarring, or other complications.
What to mention before a dose
Tell your healthcare professional if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any ingredient in this vaccine.
Tell your healthcare professional if you have a bleeding disorder or bruise easily.
Tell your healthcare professional if you have ever fainted after getting a needle or an injection.
Tell your healthcare professional if you currently have a severe infection with a high fever, since your vaccination may need to be delayed.
How it is given
SHINGRIX is given as a shot into the muscle, usually in the upper arm, by a doctor, nurse, or healthcare professional.
Make sure you receive both doses to get the most benefit from this vaccine.
Because this vaccine is given by injection, there is no need to take it with or without food.
Important things to know
A nerve condition called Guillain-Barré syndrome, which can cause weakness, tingling, or paralysis, has very rarely been linked to this vaccine, most often in the weeks after the first dose.
Serious allergic reactions, including swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, or trouble breathing, can rarely happen after this vaccine.
This vaccine does not prevent chickenpox and cannot treat shingles or nerve pain you already have.
Effects you may notice
Pain, redness, or swelling where the shot was given is very common.
Muscle aches, tiredness, headache, and shivering are very common.
Fever is very common.
Upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain can happen.
Itching at the injection site can happen.
Feeling generally unwell can happen.
Joint pain or a hard area of skin at the injection site can happen but is less common.
When to contact a healthcare professional
Contact your healthcare professional if your side effects last longer than a few days or get worse.
Contact your healthcare professional if you develop a rash or blistering after vaccination.
Contact your healthcare professional about any side effect that bothers you or does not go away.
When to get emergency help
Get emergency help for signs of a severe allergic reaction: hives, swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, or trouble breathing or swallowing.
Get emergency help for new muscle weakness, tingling, or difficulty moving that develops in the weeks after your vaccination, as this can be a sign of a rare nerve condition.
Other medicines and vaccines
Tell your healthcare professional about all vaccines you have recently received or have scheduled.
This vaccine can be given at the same time as several other common vaccines, including flu, pneumonia, whooping cough, COVID-19, and RSV vaccines, but each is given at a different injection site.
No specific food or alcohol interactions have been identified for this vaccine.
Key points to remember
Make sure you get both doses of this vaccine for the best protection.
This vaccine works best if you already had chickenpox in the past, which is true for almost all older adults.
Keep a record of your vaccination dates for future reference.
Tell any new doctor, dentist, or healthcare professional that you have received this vaccine.
These are Canadian Immunization Guide schedules associated with this DIN. The right schedule depends on age, health, prior doses and reason for vaccination. Public health recommendations may differ from a product monograph's authorized schedule.
Shingles (Shingrix) — adults 50 and older, two doses
2 doses
Two doses of recombinant zoster vaccine, 2 to 6 months apart.
For adults 50 years of age and older, including those who have had shingles or an earlier live shingles vaccine. Dose 2 is given 2 to 6 months after dose 1 (a 12-month interval is also acceptable).
Shingles (Shingrix) — weakened immune system, 18 and older, two doses
2 doses
Two doses; the second can be given as soon as 4 weeks after the first when faster protection matters.
For adults 18 years and older who are, or will be, immunocompromised. The usual interval is 2 to 6 months; the second dose may be given at a minimum of 4 weeks after the first when completing the series sooner is beneficial, ideally at least 14 days before immunosuppressive therapy starts.
General information only. A suggested date is not an appointment or a prescription; a healthcare professional confirms what you need. Clinical rules reviewed on 2026-09-27.