Shingrex, the new and improved vaccine by GlaxoSmithKline, was submitted to the FDA for approval on October 24, 2016. The killed vaccine has a vastly superior efficacy rate in the 93-97% range that does not diminish overy time or decrease due to age. Zostavax, by Merck, has an efficacy rate of 53-37%.
The new vaccine has an adjunct that improves it efficacy rate.
The vaccine has not been tested on individuals who have recurrent Herpes Zoster-Shingles episodes, but as Zostavax has shown some efficacy in preventing recurrent Herpes Zoster-Shingles or reducing the number of episodes in those who have recurrent episodes of shingles, there is hope that the vaccine will have the ability to decrease or prevent the recurring attacks.
I got my shingles on 5th July 2o16 I was slowly getting my life back these last few weeks now this last week it back to where i started pain, burning,will it take as long to get over this time or will it be shortlived.My Dr told me as i had the vaccine I probably would not get them again I get no rash but all the symptons.but. not so lucky.
I am not on a biologic, but Herpes Zoster-Shingles messes with my life...I am certain it contributed to my two strokes...etc etc etc those of us who have recurrent episodes are all immunocompromised...we may not know it in the beginning, but the truth rears its head sooner or later.. it is how you respond to the challenges on this great adventure called life that can make all the difference between enjoying yourself and your life and being a muddled mess.
I am well named, as the eternal optimist. No matter what happens, I keep on chugging along with a smile on my face and love and laughter in my heart.. My identical twin is named Holly Lynn, but she is more of a pessimist. When we were struck with the "identical" breast cancer last year, she had a more difficult time coping. I am a Nurse Practitioner and she is a Nursing Professor. (Our Breast cancers were in the same area of the same breast, same size, same time of discovery, same tumor markers, same tumor grade, same everything.... Eerie...I just knew we were going to be ok and get through it....and we did... Fortunately, as we get yearly Mammograms, the prognosis is excellent for both.