Patient leaflet - Shingrix suspension for injection in Pre-filled syringe
1. What Shingrix is and what it is used for
What Shingrix is used for
Shingrix is a vaccine that helps to protect adults against shingles (herpes zoster) and post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), the long-lasting nerve pain that follows shingles.
Shingrix is given to:
adults 50 years and above; • adults 18 years and above who are
at increased risk of shingles. Shingrix cannot be used to prevent chickenpox (varicella).
What shingles is
Shingles is a rash with blisters
that is often painful. It usually occurs in one part of the body and can last for several weeks. • Shingles is caused by the same
virus that causes chickenpox. • After you have had chickenpox,
the virus that caused it stays in your body in nerve cells.
Sometimes, after many years, if your
immune system (the body’s natural defences) becomes weaker (due to age, an illness or a medicine you are taking), the virus can cause shingles. Complications related to shingles
Shingles may lead to complications. The most common complication of shingles is:
long-lasting nerve pain – called
post-herpetic neuralgia or PHN. After the shingles blisters heal, you may get pain which can last for months or years and may be severe. Other complications of shingles are: • scars where the blisters have been. • skin infections, weakness, muscle
paralysis and loss of hearing or vision – these are less common. How Shingrix works
Shingrix reminds your body about the virus that causes shingles. This helps your immune system (the body’s natural defences) stay prepared to fight the virus and protect you against shingles and its complications.
2. What you need to know before you receive Shingrix
You must not be given Shingrix if
you are allergic to the active
substances or any of the other ingredients of this vaccine (listed in section 6). Signs of an allergic reaction may include itchy skin rash, shortness of breath and swelling of the face or tongue.
You must not be given Shingrix if any of the above apply to you. If you are not sure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Warnings and precautions
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you receive Shingrix if: • you have a severe infection with a high temperature (fever). In these cases, the vaccination may have to be postponed until you have recovered. A minor infection such as a cold should not be a problem, but talk to your doctor first;
- you have a bleeding problem or bruise easily.
If any of the above apply to you (or you are not sure), talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you receive Shingrix.
Fainting can occur before or after any needle injection. Therefore tell the doctor or nurse if you fainted with a previous injection.
Shingrix cannot be used as a treatment if you already have shingles or shingles-related complications. As with all vaccines, Shingrix may not fully protect all people who are vaccinated.
Other medicines and Shingrix
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken or might take any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription, or have recently received any other vaccine.
Shingrix can be given at the same time as other vaccines such as seasonal influenza vaccine (inactivated, unadjuvanted), 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine, 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, reduced antigen diphtheria tetanus acellular pertussis vaccine, COVID-19 mRNA vaccine, or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine (recombinant, adjuvanted). A different injection site will be used for each vaccine.
You may be more likely to experience fever and/or shivering when 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine is given at the same time as Shingrix. You may be more likely to experience chills, tiredness, fever, stomach and digestive complaints (including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and/or stomach pain), headache, muscle pain, or joint pain when a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine is given at the same time as Shingrix. Pregnancy and breast‑feeding
If you are pregnant or
breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before you are given this vaccine.
Driving and using machines
Some of the effects mentioned below in section 4 “Possible side effects” may temporarily affect the ability to drive or use machines. Do not drive or use machines if you are feeling unwell. Shingrix contains polysorbate 80, sodium and potassium
This medicine contains 0.08 mg of polysorbate 80 per dose. Polysorbates may cause allergic reactions. Tell your doctor if you have any known allergies. This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per dose, that is to say essentially ‘sodium-free’.
This medicine contains potassium, less than 1 mmol (39 mg) per dose, i.e. essentially ‘potassium-free’.
3. How Shingrix is given
- Shingrix is given as an injection into a muscle (usually in the upper arm). • You will receive 2 injections 2 months apart. If flexibility in the vaccination schedule is necessary, the second dose can be administered between 2 and 6 months after the first dose.
The following information is intended for healthcare professionals only:
The vaccine should be inspected visually for any foreign particulate matter and/or variation of appearance. If either is observed, do not administer the vaccine. Instructions for the pre-filled syringe
Cap Barrel
Plunger
Luer Lock Adaptor
Hold the syringe by the barrel, not by the plunger.
Unscrew the syringe cap by twisting it anticlockwise.
Package leaflet: Information for the user
The distribution and use of fonts / software without a licence constitutes an intellectual property infringement. GSK will not accept any liability for the breach of third party intellectual property rights by printed component suppliers. The GSK certification / audit process requires suppliers to declare that they do not use unlicensed fonts / software and may require the supplier to produce evidence of such licence to GSK.
IMPORTANT GSK LOC is responsible to
and complete.
pre-press suitability.
GSK Market is responsible to advise SDC when changes required impact the following:
Formulation Tablet embossing Storage conditions
Shelf Life
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comply with guidance provided by Legal: Global Trade Marks.
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Based on your medical condition, your doctor may also recommend that you receive the second injection 1 month after the first injection.
You will be informed when you
should come back for the second dose of Shingrix.
Make sure you finish the complete vaccination course. This will maximise the protection offered by Shingrix. Shingrix can be given if you have already been vaccinated with a live attenuated herpes zoster vaccine. Speak to your doctor for more information.
4. Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this vaccine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Side effects reported during clinical trials and after marketing of Shingrix: Very common (may occur with more than 1 in 10 doses of the vaccine): • headache
stomach and digestive complaints
(including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and/or stomach pain) • muscle pain (myalgia)
pain, redness and swelling where the
injection is given
- feeling tired
- chills
- fever
Common (may occur with up to 1 in 10 doses of the vaccine):
itching where the injection is given
(pruritus)
- generally feeling unwell
Uncommon (may occur with up to 1 in 100 doses of vaccine)
swollen glands in the neck, armpit or
groin
- joint pain
hardness of the skin where the
injection is given
Rare (may occur with up to 1 in 1 000 doses of the vaccine)
allergic reactions including rash, hives
(urticaria), swelling of the face, tongue or throat which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing (angioedema)
Very rare (may occur with up to 1 in 10 000 doses of the vaccine)
a neurological disorder that usually
starts with pins and needles and weakness of the limbs and may progress to paralysis of part or all of the body (Guillain-Barré syndrome)
Most of these side effects are mild to moderate in intensity and are not long-lasting.
Immunocompromised adults aged 18-49 years may experience more side effects compared to
immunocompromised adults aged ≥ 50 years.
Adults aged 50-69 years may experience more side effects compared to adults aged ≥ 70 years.
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.
This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly (see details below). By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
United Kingdom
Yellow Card Scheme
Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store
5. How to store Shingrix
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the label and carton after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Store in a refrigerator (2 °C – 8 °C). Do not freeze.
Store in the original package in order to protect from light.
Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.
6. Contents of the pack and other information
What Shingrix contains
The active substances are:
One dose (0.5 mL) contains: Varicella Zoster Virus1 glycoprotein E antigen2 50 micrograms 1 Varicella Zoster Virus = VZV 2 adjuvanted with AS01B containing:
plant extract Quillaja saponaria Molina, fraction 21 (QS-21)
50 micrograms 3-O-desacyl-4’-monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL) from Salmonella minnesota 50 micrograms The glycoprotein E is a protein present in the Varicella Zoster Virus. This protein is not infectious. The adjuvant (AS01B) is used to improve the body’s response to the vaccine.
- The other ingredients are:
Sucrose, polysorbate 80 (E 433), sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate (E 339), dipotassium phosphate (E 340), dioleoyl phosphatidylcholine (E 322), cholesterol, sodium chloride, disodium phosphate anhydrous (E 339), potassium dihydrogen phosphate (E 340) and water for injections. See section 2 “Shingrix contains polysorbate 80, sodium and potassium”. What Shingrix looks like and contents of the pack
Suspension for injection (injection) in pre-filled syringe.
The suspension is an opalescent, colourless to pale brownish liquid. Shingrix is available in 1-dose pre-filled syringe without needles, in a pack size of 1 or 10.
Not all pack sizes may be marketed. Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer
Marketing Authorisation Holder:
GlaxoSmithKline UK Limited
79 New Oxford Street
London
WC1A 1DG
United Kingdom
Manufacturer:
GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals SA Rue de l’Institut 89
1330 Rixensart
Belgium
Other formats:
To listen to or request a copy of this leaflet in Braille, large print or audio please call, free of charge:
0800 198 5000 (UK Only)
Please be ready to give the following information:
Product name: Shingrix suspension for injection in pre‑filled syringe
Reference number: 19494/0333 This is a service provided by the Royal National Institute of Blind People. This leaflet was last revised in April 2026
Trademarks are owned by or licenced to the GSK group of companies.
© 2026 GSK group of companies or its licensor.
Needle hub To attach the needle, connect the hub to the
Luer Lock Adaptor and rotate a quarter turn clockwise until you feel it lock.Do not pull the syringe plunger out of the barrel. If it happens, do not administer the vaccine.
Disposal
Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.
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Manufacturing Site(s): GSK_ROSIA_ITALY | |
Brand: VZV gE | |
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Approving Market(s): United Kingdom-GBR | |
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Leading: 12.5pt | |
Horizontal Scale: 100% | |
Microtext: N | |
Additional Info (1): N/A | |
Additional Info (2): N/A | |
Additional Info (3): N/A | |
AIP_Non-Production_V_INDD - 01_2023 - Version 4
| The distribution and use of fonts / software without a licence constitutes an intellectual property infringement. GSK will not accept any liability for the breach of third party intellectual property rights by printed component suppliers. The GSK certification / audit process requires suppliers to declare that they do not use unlicensed fonts / software and may require the supplier to produce evidence of such licence to GSK. |
IMPORTANT
GSK LOC is responsible to approve the change
site technical requirements and pre-press suitability.
GSK Market is responsible
to advise SDC when changes required impact the following:
Formulation
Tablet embossing
Storage conditions
Shelf Life
NOTE TO MARKET Local approvers must ensure that trade mark and copyright statements included in the brief
comply with guidance provided by Legal: Global Trade Marks.
Production Site:
GSK_ROSIA_ITALY
Material Weight:
N/A
Removable Part(s) No:
N/A
The following information is intended for healthcare professionals only:
The vaccine should be inspected visually for any foreign particulate matter and/or variation of appearance. If either is observed, do not administer the vaccine.
Instructions for the pre‑filled syringe
Plunger
Barrel
Luer Lock Adaptor
Cap
Hold the syringe by the barrel, not by the plunger. Unscrew the syringe cap by twisting it anticlockwise.
Needle hub
To attach the needle, connect the hub to the Luer Lock
Adaptor and rotate a quarter turn clockwise until you feel it lock.
Do not pull the syringe plunger out of the barrel. If it happens, do not administer the vaccine.
Disposal
Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.
Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.
- 6. Contents of the pack and other information
What Shingrix contains
The active substances are:
One dose (0.5 mL) contains:
Varicella Zoster Virus1 glycoprotein E antigen2
50 micrograms 1 Varicella Zoster Virus = VZV
2 adjuvanted with AS01B containing:
plant extract Quillaja saponaria Molina, fraction 21 (QS‑21) 50 micrograms 3‑O‑desacyl‑4’‑monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL) from Salmonella minnesota 50 micrograms The glycoprotein E is a protein present in the Varicella Zoster Virus. This protein is not infectious. The adjuvant (AS01B) is used to improve the body’s response to the vaccine.
The other ingredients are:
Sucrose, polysorbate 80 (E 433), sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate (E 339), dipotassium phosphate (E 340), dioleoyl phosphatidylcholine (E 322), cholesterol, sodium chloride, disodium phosphate anhydrous (E 339), potassium dihydrogen phosphate (E 340) and water for injections.
See section 2 “Shingrix contains polysorbate 80, sodium and potassium”.
What Shingrix looks like and contents of the pack
Suspension for injection (injection) in pre‑filled syringe.
The suspension is an opalescent, colourless to pale brownish liquid.
Shingrix is available in 1‑dose pre‑filled syringe without needles, in a pack size of 1 or 10. Not all pack sizes may be marketed.
Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer Marketing Authorisation Holder:
GlaxoSmithKline UK Limited
79 New Oxford Street
London
WC1A 1DG
United Kingdom
Manufacturer:
GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals SA
Rue de l’Institut 89
1330 Rixensart
Belgium
Other formats:
To listen to or request a copy of this leaflet in Braille, large print or audio please call, free of charge: 0800 198 5000 (UK Only)
Please be ready to give the following information: Product name: Shingrix suspension for injection in pre‑filled syringe
Reference number: 19494/0333
This is a service provided by the Royal National Institute of Blind People.
This leaflet was last revised in April 2026
Trademarks are owned by or licenced to the GSK group of companies.
© 2026 GSK group of companies or its licensor.
You will be informed when you should come back
for the second dose of Shingrix.
Make sure you finish the complete vaccination course. This will maximise the protection offered by Shingrix. Shingrix can be given if you have already been vaccinated with a live attenuated herpes zoster vaccine. Speak to your doctor for more information.
- 4. Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this vaccine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Side effects reported during clinical trials and after marketing of Shingrix:
Very common (may occur with more than 1 in 10 doses of the vaccine):
- headache
stomach and digestive complaints (including nausea,
vomiting, diarrhoea and/or stomach pain) • muscle pain (myalgia)
pain, redness and swelling where the injection is
given
- feeling tired
- chills
- fever
Common (may occur with up to 1 in 10 doses of the vaccine):
- itching where the injection is given (pruritus) • generally feeling unwell
Uncommon (may occur with up to 1 in 100 doses of vaccine)
- swollen glands in the neck, armpit or groin • joint pain
- hardness of the skin where the injection is given Rare (may occur with up to 1 in 1 000 doses of the vaccine)
allergic reactions including rash, hives (urticaria),
swelling of the face, tongue or throat which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing (angioedema)
Very rare (may occur with up to 1 in 10 000 doses of the vaccine)
a neurological disorder that usually starts with pins
and needles and weakness of the limbs and may progress to paralysis of part or all of the body (Guillain‑Barré syndrome)
Most of these side effects are mild to moderate in intensity and are not long‑lasting.
Immunocompromised adults aged 18‑49 years may experience more side effects compared to immunocompromised adults aged ≥ 50 years. Adults aged 50‑69 years may experience more side effects compared to adults aged ≥ 70 years. Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse.
This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly (see details below). By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
United Kingdom
Yellow Card Scheme
Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store
- 5. How to store Shingrix
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the label and carton after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Store in a refrigerator (2 °C – 8 °C). Do not freeze. Store in the original package in order to protect from light.
itchy skin rash, shortness of breath and swelling of the face or tongue.
You must not be given Shingrix if any of the above apply to you. If you are not sure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Warnings and precautions
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you receive Shingrix if:
you have a severe infection with a high temperature
(fever). In these cases, the vaccination may have to be postponed until you have recovered. A minor infection such as a cold should not be a problem, but talk to your doctor first;
- you have a bleeding problem or bruise easily. If any of the above apply to you (or you are not sure), talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you receive Shingrix.
Fainting can occur before or after any needle injection. Therefore tell the doctor or nurse if you fainted with a previous injection.
Shingrix cannot be used as a treatment if you already have shingles or shingles‑related complications. As with all vaccines, Shingrix may not fully protect all people who are vaccinated.
Other medicines and Shingrix
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken or might take any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription, or have recently received any other vaccine.
Shingrix can be given at the same time as other vaccines such as seasonal influenza vaccine (inactivated, unadjuvanted), 23‑valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine, 13‑valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, reduced antigen diphtheria tetanus acellular pertussis vaccine, COVID‑19 mRNA vaccine, or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine (recombinant, adjuvanted). A different injection site will be used for each vaccine.
You may be more likely to experience fever and/or shivering when 23‑valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine is given at the same time as Shingrix.
You may be more likely to experience chills, tiredness, fever, stomach and digestive complaints (including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and/or stomach pain), headache, muscle pain, or joint pain when a COVID‑19 mRNA vaccine is given at the same time as Shingrix. Pregnancy and breast‑feeding
If you are pregnant or breast‑feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before you are given this vaccine.
Driving and using machines
Some of the effects mentioned below in section 4 “Possible side effects” may temporarily affect the ability to drive or use machines. Do not drive or use machines if you are feeling unwell.
Shingrix contains polysorbate 80, sodium and potassium
This medicine contains 0.08 mg of polysorbate 80 per dose. Polysorbates may cause allergic reactions. Tell your doctor if you have any known allergies. This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per dose, that is to say essentially ‘sodium‑free’.
This medicine contains potassium, less than 1 mmol (39 mg) per dose, i.e. essentially ‘potassium‑free’.
- 3. How Shingrix is given
- •
Shingrix is given as an injection into a muscle
(usually in the upper arm).
- •
You will receive 2 injections 2 months apart. If
flexibility in the vaccination schedule is necessary, the second dose can be administered between 2 and 6 months after the first dose.
Based on your medical condition, your doctor may also recommend that you receive the second injection 1 month after the first injection. Package leaflet: Information for the user
Shingrix suspension for injection in pre‑filled syringe
Herpes zoster vaccine (recombinant, adjuvanted)
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you receive this vaccine because it contains important information for you.
‑ Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it
again.
‑ If you have any further questions, ask your
doctor or pharmacist.
‑ This medicine has been prescribed for you
only. Do not pass it on to others. ‑ If you get any side effects, talk to your
doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4.
What is in this leaflet
- 1.
What Shingrix is and what it is used for 2. What you need to know before you receive
Shingrix
- 3. How Shingrix is given
- 4. Possible side effects
- 5. How to store Shingrix
- 6.
- 1. What Shingrix is and what it is used for
What Shingrix is used for
Shingrix is a vaccine that helps to protect adults against shingles (herpes zoster) and post‑herpetic neuralgia (PHN), the long‑lasting nerve pain that follows shingles.
Shingrix is given to:
- adults 50 years and above;
adults 18 years and above who are at increased
risk of shingles.
Shingrix cannot be used to prevent chickenpox (varicella).
What shingles is
Shingles is a rash with blisters that is often painful.
It usually occurs in one part of the body and can last for several weeks.
Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes
chickenpox.
After you have had chickenpox, the virus that
caused it stays in your body in nerve cells. • Sometimes, after many years, if your immune
system (the body’s natural defences) becomes weaker (due to age, an illness or a medicine you are taking), the virus can cause shingles. Complications related to shingles
Shingles may lead to complications.
The most common complication of shingles is: • long‑lasting nerve pain – called post‑herpetic
neuralgia or PHN. After the shingles blisters heal, you may get pain which can last for months or years and may be severe.
Other complications of shingles are:
- scars where the blisters have been.
skin infections, weakness, muscle paralysis and
loss of hearing or vision – these are less common. How Shingrix works
Shingrix reminds your body about the virus that causes shingles. This helps your immune system (the body’s natural defences) stay prepared to fight the virus and protect you against shingles and its complications.
- 2. What you need to know before you receive Shingrix
You must not be given Shingrix if
you are allergic to the active substances or any
of the other ingredients of this vaccine (listed in section 6). Signs of an allergic reaction may include
Design 1:
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Manufacturing Site(s):
GSK_ROSIA_ITALY
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9.0pt
Brand:
VZV gE N/A
Leading:
11.0pt
Sub Brand:
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175 mm Measuring Bar Artwork copyright is the property of the GSK Group of Companies. All suppliers providing a service to GSK for printed components of any description must ensure that they have a licence for all fonts software used in conjunction with GSK artwork. The distribution and use of fonts / software without a licence constitutes an intellectual property infringement. GSK will not accept any liability for the breach of third party intellectual property rights by printed component suppliers. The GSK certification / audit process requires suppliers to declare that they do not use unlicensed fonts / software and may require the supplier to produce evidence of such licence to GSK.
Production Site:
GSK_ROSIA_ITALY
Material Weight:
N/A
Removable Part(s) No:
N/A
IMPORTANT
GSK LOC is responsible to approve the change
site technical requirements and pre-press suitability.
GSK Market is responsible
to advise SDC when changes required impact the following:
Formulation
Tablet embossing
Storage conditions
Shelf Life
