GSK Shingles Vaccine in Malaysia: Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’re 50 and above or someone at higher risk due to a weakened immune system, there’s some exciting news in the medical world! GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has just announced that their shingles vaccine, Shingrix, is now available in Malaysia. This new vaccine aims to prevent shingles (herpes zoster, HZ), and post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN); a painful and often debilitating condition that many of us might not think too much about—until it hits.

What is Shingles? A Little More About Shingrix

Shingles, or herpes zoster, is a condition caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus—the same virus that gave you chickenpox back in the day. When this virus “wakes up,” it can lead to painful rashes and nerve pain known as post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). And, trust us, PHN is no joke. It’s been described as stabbing, burning, or shock-like pain that can last for months or even years!

Shingrix, also known as the Herpes Zoster vaccine, is a non-live, recombinant subunit vaccine designed to prevent shingles and, in some regions, PHN in adults aged 50 and older. The vaccine, referred to as RZV, received approval after undergoing an extensive Phase III clinical trial program that assessed its effectiveness, safety, and ability to provoke an immune response in over 30,000 participants.

“We are pleased that people in Malaysia will now have access to the RZV vaccine to help reduce the burden of this painful disease.”

Dr. Alap Gandhi, Country Medical Director of GSK Malaysia & Brunei

The Side Effects, Who Can Get It and Where?

As with any vaccine, Shingrix does come with some side effects. The most common ones reported are mild: pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site, along with some possible fatigue, headache, or muscle pain. Most of these are short-lived, lasting less than three days. However, it’s worth noting that there was a small increased risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome observed within 42 days of vaccination in a post-marketing study. If you’re someone with a history of severe allergies, it might be a good idea to discuss this with your healthcare provider. The vaccine is currently recommended for:

• Adults aged 50 and above.
• Individuals aged 18 and over who are at increased risk due to immunosuppression or immunodeficiency.

Where can you get it? – GSK’s Shingrix will soon be available at major hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies across Malaysia. It is highly recommended by the Malaysia Society of Infectious Diseases and Chemotherapy for those who meet the eligibility criteria.

So, if you’re eligible, getting vaccinated with Shingrix could save you from the excruciating pain of shingles and its complications. With the high efficacy rate and the backing of health authorities, Shingrix is poised to be a game-changer in adult immunisation in Malaysia.

Stay protected and spread the word—not the virus!