Important: VAERS reports alone cannot determine if a vaccine caused an adverse event. Reports may contain incomplete, inaccurate, or unverified information. Correlation does not equal causation.
Shingles vaccines are given to older adults to prevent herpes zoster (shingles). The older Zostavax (live vaccine) has been largely replaced by Shingrix (recombinant). Shingrix is known for causing more noticeable — but generally harmless — side effects.
The following symptoms are most frequently reported after vaccination:
Shingrix is known for more pronounced side effects than most vaccines — this is partly because it contains a strong adjuvant (AS01B) designed to boost immune response in older adults. The side effects are a sign the immune system is responding.
Very common with Shingrix (expected in most recipients):
These side effects are notably more common than with most vaccines but typically resolve within 2-3 days. The second dose tends to cause more side effects than the first.
The high VAERS report count for shingles vaccines reflects both the strong reactogenicity of Shingrix and the older age of recipients. Older adults may be more likely to seek medical attention for side effects, and healthcare providers may be more likely to report events in elderly patients.
Shingrix is recommended as two doses for adults 50 and older. See where it fits on the CDC vaccine schedule, review our 2026 vaccine schedule analysis, and explore VAERS patterns in adults 65+.
As of mid-2026, the shingles vaccine continues to be monitored through VAERS and complementary surveillance systems including the Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD) and the Clinical Immunization Safety Assessment (CISA) project. No new safety signals have been identified in recent data that would change the established safety profile of this vaccine.
The HHS administration's announced development of AI-powered VAERS analysis tools may provide additional insights into shingles vaccine adverse event patterns. These tools aim to detect subtle signals that traditional statistical methods might miss, though their implementation timeline and methodology remain under development.
It's worth noting that VAERS reporting for routine vaccines like shingles has remained stable through the post-pandemic period. While COVID-19 vaccine reports surged and then declined, reporting patterns for established childhood and adult vaccines have been remarkably consistent, suggesting that the VAERS system continues to function as designed for ongoing safety surveillance.
When interpreting VAERS data for shingles vaccines, several key principles apply:
VAERS data is most useful as a starting point for conversation with your healthcare provider, not as a basis for medical decisions. If you're concerned about shingles vaccine side effects:
For the most up-to-date safety information, consult the CDC's vaccine information pages or speak with a qualified healthcare professional.
As of mid-2026, the shingles vaccine continues to be monitored through VAERS and complementary surveillance systems including the Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD) and the Clinical Immunization Safety Assessment (CISA) project. No new safety signals have been identified in recent data that would change the established safety profile of this vaccine.
The HHS administration's announced development of AI-powered VAERS analysis tools may provide additional insights into shingles vaccine adverse event patterns. These tools aim to detect subtle signals that traditional statistical methods might miss, though their implementation timeline and methodology remain under development.
It's worth noting that VAERS reporting for routine vaccines like shingles has remained stable through the post-pandemic period. While COVID-19 vaccine reports surged and then declined, reporting patterns for established childhood and adult vaccines have been remarkably consistent, suggesting that the VAERS system continues to function as designed for ongoing safety surveillance.
When interpreting VAERS data for shingles vaccines, several key principles apply:
VAERS data is most useful as a starting point for conversation with your healthcare provider, not as a basis for medical decisions. If you're concerned about shingles vaccine side effects:
For the most up-to-date safety information, consult the CDC's vaccine information pages or speak with a qualified healthcare professional.