varicella-zoster glycoE vacc-AS01B adj(PF) 50 mcg/0.5 mL IM susp, kit

Generic name:
Varicella virus vaccine (shingles) - injection

Pronunciation
(VAR-i-SEL-a)

Brand name(s)
Shingrix

This vaccine is used to help prevent zoster (shingles) in adults. Zoster is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. After you have been infected with chickenpox (usually in childhood), the virus can live in your body's nerve roots in an inactive form. Later in life, the virus may become active again and cause shingles. Symptoms of shingles include a painful rash and blisters. Shingles may also rarely cause serious problems such as blindness, hearing problems, and long-term nerve pain. Vaccination is the best way to protect against this infection.

This vaccine works by increasing the body's natural defense (immunity) against the zoster virus so that symptoms of shingles do not occur.

Vaccines may not fully protect everyone who receives them.

Read all vaccine information available from your health care professional before receiving the vaccine. If you have any questions, ask your health care professional.

This vaccine is given by injection into a muscle by a health care professional. It is given in the upper arm.

Vaccines are usually given in a series of doses to provide the best protection. Closely follow the vaccination schedule provided by your health care professional. To help you remember, mark your calendar with a reminder.

Redness/swelling/bruising/pain at the injection site, headache, muscle pain, tiredness, or fever may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your health care professional promptly.

Rarely, some people have symptoms such as fainting, dizziness, vision changes, or ringing in the ears just after getting a vaccine injection. Tell your health care professional right away if you have any of these symptoms. Sitting or lying down may help, since these symptoms usually don't last long.

Remember that this vaccine has been prescribed because your health care professional has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this vaccine do not have serious side effects.

Tell your health care professional right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

• numbness/tingling
• muscle weakness

A very serious allergic reaction to this vaccine is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your health care professional.

Contact the doctor for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US you may report side effects to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) at 1-800-822-7967. In Canada, you may call the Vaccine Safety Section at Public Health Agency of Canada at 1-866-844-0018.

Before you receive this vaccine, tell the health care professional if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your health care professional for more details.

Before receiving this vaccine, tell your health care professional your medical history, especially of:

• current fever/illness
• immune system disorders (such as due to HIV infection, certain cancers such as leukemia/lymphoma, cancer or radiation treatment)
• vaccination history (including previous reactions to any vaccines)

During pregnancy, this vaccine should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your health care professional.

It is unknown if this vaccine passes into breast milk. Consult your health care professional before breastfeeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your health care professional. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this vaccine are:

• drugs that weaken the immune system (including cyclosporine, tacrolimus, cancer chemotherapy, corticosteroids such as prednisone)

Not applicable.

Keep all medical and lab appointments.

Keep vaccine records for yourself and your children and provide them to the health care professionals to prevent unnecessary re-vaccinations.

It is important that you receive each vaccination as scheduled. Ask when you should get each dose and mark your calendar with a reminder. If you miss a dose, call the health care professional to reschedule.

Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Protect from light. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.