Prefilled Shingrix simplifies shingles prevention and workflow
The Shingrix update pharmacists have been waiting for
On July 17, 2025, the FDA approved a new prefilled, fully-liquid syringe presentation of Shingrix® (recombinant zoster vaccine). This is not only exciting for patients, but a significant workflow win for every pharmacy team.
If you’ve ever reconstituted the original two vial version, you know the drill: mix a lyophilized antigen with an adjuvant, double check for errors, and hope nothing spilled. That’s now a thing of the past.
What’s changed? Everything on the outside. Nothing inside.
The new version of Shingrix delivers the same immunogenicity and safety profile, but in a ready to administer syringe. No reconstitution. No extra steps. Just draw, attach the needle, and vaccinate.
Let me break it down:
- ~2 minutes saved per dose by skipping the mixing step
- Fewer needle and dilution errors, improving safety
- Single cold chain temperature, which means easier storage and transport
- Ideal for LTC and home health delivery, expanding access to vulnerable populations
Why this matters: Less prep, more protection
In my experience, small changes in workflow can lead to big shifts in practice. This new format gives pharmacists the flexibility to take adult immunization beyond the four walls of the pharmacy. Think: mobile vaccine clinics, drive through immunizations, and medication therapy management (MTM) visits bundled with a shingles vaccine.
And let’s not overlook the inventory and billing pearls:
- Current two vial lots remain valid, just manage bin separation to avoid mix ups
- New NDC codes arrive in Q4 2025, update your systems to avoid claims being rejected
Needle reminder: prefilled syringes come with a fixed Luerlock. Keep 25g x 1″ IM needles for adults ≤90 kg and 1½″ for those >90 kg.
Can it still be co-administered?
Yes. According to the CDC, the prefilled Shingrix can still be given with flu or COVID-19 vaccines at separate sites. Just be sure to revise standing orders to reflect the new format.
Bottom line
This may look like a small packaging change, but it’s a significant opportunity to rethink how, where, and when we provide shingles protection. It’s a workflow win, a safety upgrade, and a public health booster all rolled into one.
The tools just got easier. Let’s make prevention simpler too.
📥 Next step
Update your formulary files, restock your needles, and start planning your outreach for fall flu season. Shingrix just got a whole lot more mobile.
