Dosing schedule
Intervals by immune status
- Immunocompetent: 2 doses, 2–6 months apart
- Immunocompromised: 2 doses, 1–2 months apart
- If dose 2 is late: do not restart — give ASAP
- No booster currently recommended
Co-administration
Safe to give together
Can be given simultaneously with: influenza, pneumococcal, RSV, COVID-19, and tetanus/pertussis vaccines.
AEFI may be slightly higher; counsel patients.
AEFI may be slightly higher; counsel patients.
Timing rules
Special intervals
- After HZ (immunocompetent): ≥12 months
- After HZ (immunocompromised): from 3 months
- After Zostavax®: ≥12 months before dose 1
- After NIP-funded Zostavax®: 5-yr NIP wait
Storage & prep
Cold chain & reconstitution
- Store +2°C to +8°C — do not freeze; protect from light
- Reconstitute immediately after removing from fridge
- Reconstituted vaccine stable up to 6 hours if refrigerated
- Use 19 or 21 gauge needle for reconstitution (ATAGI variation from PI)
- Administer by IM injection, preferably deltoid
Eligibility & Schedule Calculator
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Mod/severe includes HSCT, haematologic malignancy, HIV, transplant, biologics — see Handbook Table
📅 Dose dates & history
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