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Medicines varicella-zoster virusQuestion & answer

varicella-zoster virus · Medicine question

Can vaccination treat shingles that has already started?

iatroX medicinesPublished 22 August 2026Reviewed 22 August 2026

The answer

Answer

No. These vaccines prevent disease and do not treat active shingles, chickenpox or existing post-herpetic neuralgia.

Sources for this answer

Shingrix powder and suspension for suspension for injection, Herpes zoster vaccine (recombinant, adjuvanted)emc · SmPC Current selected SmPC · Version 13

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varicella-zoster virus

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What are these vaccines used for?Is Shingrix a live vaccine?Is Varilrix a live vaccine?Can vaccination be given during pregnancy?Can immunosuppressed people receive these vaccines?Why are Shingrix and Varilrix not interchangeable?