What Does My Business Need to Know About SHINGRIX?

Health is key for employees that are hopping between destinations for work. Each environment brings new bugs and new people that can spread viruses.

That’s why every new advancement in disease prevention is crucial. Whether it’s your employees or yourself who’s hitting the road, new vaccines can change that business. It’s hard to work when battling some chronic and painful disease.

One of those debilitating illnesses is shingles.

For decades, professionals have struggled against this virus that targeted people over the age of 50. The chickenpox vaccine offered some protection and shingles vaccine helped a bit more when introduced years ago. Any person who has had chickenpox is susceptible to shingles. The virus results in a painful skin rash and blisters.

The new shingles vaccine, SHINGRIX, could be the solution to this common virus. Approved by the FDA in October 2017, SHINGRIX is offers nearly-complete protection from shingles.

The vaccine is already recommended by the CDC and Advisory Committe on Immunization Practices (ACIP). According to the ACIP, anyone who received a different shingles vaccine should still get SHINGRIX.

SHINGRIX is approved for anyone 50 years or older. Previous shingles vaccines were only recommended at the age of 60.

The improved protection from SHINGRIX even continues decades after vaccination. The vaccine is 97 percent effective for people over 50 and still 91 percent effective over the age of 80.

It’s the high-risk areas that will benefit most from this long-term protection. Nursing homes and hospitals with large groups of people in the over-50 population. Because shingles is contagious, individuals spending large amounts of time around anyone at risk should get vaccinated.

The virus is also an increased risk for anyone with a weakened immune system. Nearly all deaths due to shingles happen in those that are elderly with compromised immune systems.

So, what’s different in SHINGRIX compared to other shots for shingles?

SHINGRIX contains a protein that’s separate from the chickenpox virus. The vaccine combines glycoprotein, an antigen, and an adjuvant system. This method is crucial to older populations. Vaccines with live viruses can pose a risk to people with a weakened immune system and SHINGRIX avoids that risk.

The vaccine itself is given in two doses, between two and six months apart.

If you wish to provide your employees or residents with the SHINGRIX vaccine, Passport Health can help. Passport Health is currently one of the few providers to carry the vaccine. There are limited quantities available, but the vaccine is in stock at all Passport Health clinics.

Book an appointment with your local Passport Health clinic by calling or fill out a contact form and speak to a representative.

Do you have any other health needs when traveling for business? Passport Health offers a variety of health services to help business travelers. Take a look at our occupational vaccines page to keep your business healthy when traveling.

Do you have any other questions about the SHINGRIX vaccine? Let us know via Facebook and Twitter.

Written for Passport Health by Kaitlyn Luckow. Kaitlyn is a freelance writer, photographer and English teacher in Milwaukee. She has a passion for capturing and writing other people’s stories.