What Happens If You Don't Get second Shingrix Shot: Risks And Complications

Many people get the first dose of Shingrix but forget or delay the second shot. Some think one dose is enough, while others simply miss the follow-up. But skipping the second shot can leave you at risk for shingles and its painful effects.

The Shingrix vaccine protects adults from shingles, a virus that can cause nerve pain, vision issues, and serious long-term problems. If you’ve had chickenpox, you carry the virus that leads to shingles later in life. That’s why getting both doses is critical.

If you missed the second dose, you might wonder if it’s too late or if you need to start over. Here’s what you need to know.

What happens if you don't get a second Shingrix shot?

If you miss the second Shingrix shot on time, you might not be fully protected from shingles and its problems. The second shot helps your body fight off shingles better and for a long time. Without it, you might not be fully safe, and shingles could still be a risk. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises all persons 50 years of age and over, as well as those who are immunocompromised (have a damaged immune system) and younger than 19, to have the highly effective Shingrix vaccine. 

The CDC and Immunization Action Coalition, the two most reliable sources on the subject, advise doing the following:

• Try to get your second vaccine dose as soon as possible by actively looking for it. (using the internet vaccine finder tool can be helpful).

• There's no need to resume the vaccination series.

• Do not take your second dosage of the herpes vaccination (Zostavax) instead of the other one.

Who Should Get the Shingrix Vaccine?

Anyone who had chickenpox before should get vaccinated. The CDC recommends it for:

• Adults 50 years or older

• People with weakened immune systems (HIV/AIDS, cancer, kidney disease, or other conditions)

Even if you do not remember having chickenpox, you can still carry the virus. Many people had mild cases as children and never realized it.

Shingrix is now the best shingles vaccine because it gives longer-lasting protection than the older Zostavax vaccine.

Who Should Avoid the Shingrix Vaccine?

Most people can take Shingrix safely, but some should check with their doctor first.

You should not get the vaccine if:

• You are pregnant

• You have an active case of shingles

• You had a severe allergic reaction to a past Shingrix shot

If you have a mild cold or common illness, you can still get vaccinated.

Can You Get Shingles with Only One Dose?

Yes. One dose does not fully protect you. The virus stays in your body, waiting for a chance to reactivate. As you get older, your immune system weakens, making it easier for shingles to develop.

Even if you had the first shot, your body still needs the second to be strong enough to fight the virus. If you skip it, you are still at high risk of shingles and its painful symptoms.

The pain from shingles can last for months or even years. Some people also develop eye infections, hearing loss, or other serious health problems. That’s why both doses matter.

Is the Vaccine No Longer Effective?

Whether receiving your second dose of the Shingrix vaccine later reduces its effectiveness is not known with certainty. You should keep seeking the second dose of Shingrix and get it as soon as possible, as we know that it is required to strengthen your immune system to the point where it can be most successful in avoiding an outbreak of shingles.

Most studies suggest that if it has been more than six months, there should be little to no loss of efficacy as long as you take your second dose as soon as feasible.

It's unknown, but one study indicates that your second dose could only be as successful if you have received it 12 months after the first one. To maximize the likelihood that the second dose will be completely effective, stick to the CDC's instructions and keep searching for the opportunity to administer it as soon as possible.

When to Consult a Medical Professional?

The Shingrix has minor to moderate side reactions that are self-limiting most of the time in the general population. Although the safety profile of Shingrix is favorable, it has some serious adverse effects more frequently than Recombivax. 

Within a few minutes or hours of taking your second Shingrix dose, if you notice any severe adverse reaction symptoms, such as: Within a few minutes or hours of taking your second Shingrix dose, if you notice any severe adverse reaction symptoms, such as:

• Fast heart rate.

• Feeling dizzy.

• Weakening of muscles.

• Raised welts or hives.

• Breathing problems.

• Facial edema.

• Bulging of the lips or the throat.

It is also important for you to tell the doctor if your side effects with Shingrix are very bad or if they are still present after some time alone. Side effects of Shingrix occur most of the time within two to three days after administration of the drug. 

Also, gallop is a side effect that requires attention from the patient during its occurrence as well as in its prevention.

Final Thoughts

Shingrix works best with two doses. If you only take one shot, you are not fully protected.

Skipping the second dose increases your risk of shingles, a painful virus that can cause serious health issues.

If you missed the second shot, don’t worry. You can still get it. Just schedule it as soon as possible to make sure you stay protected.

Shingles can cause months of pain and long-term nerve issues. Getting both doses of Shingrix reduces your risk and keeps your immune system strong.

If you have not received your second dose yet, book your appointment today. Your future self will thank you for taking this step.