Incomplete Shingrix Series — SCE Infectious Diseases MCQ

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EasyTravel Medicine & VaccinationIncomplete Shingrix SeriesSCE Infectious Diseases

A 30-year-old woman with HIV (CD4 600, VL <50 on ART) develops a second episode of herpes zoster in 12 months. She was previously vaccinated with a single dose of Shingrix. What additional intervention is indicated?

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Correct answer: D — Complete the Shingrix vaccine series (2 doses, 2 months apart) — she received only 1 dose; the second dose is needed for full protection

Shingrix (recombinant zoster vaccine) requires TWO doses given 2–6 months apart for full protection (>90% efficacy). A single dose provides only partial protection (~50–70% in the first year, declining thereafter). This patient received only one dose and has experienced recurrent zoster. Completing the two-dose series is indicated. In immunocompromised patients (including PLWH), Shingrix is the ONLY recommended zoster vaccine (Zostavax — live — is contraindicated).

Reference: UKHSA 2024 – Green Book Ch 28a: Shingles; BHIVA 2024 – Vaccination in HIV