The Shingrix vaccine has been recommended for immunocompetent adults aged 50 and older since October 2017. A new peer-reviewed Truveta study published in Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics assessed recent trends and predictors of Shingrix vaccination among adults newly eligible for vaccination to better understand vaccine acceptability, desirability, and uptake.
In this retrospective cohort study, researchers used de-identified electronic health record data linked with medical and pharmacy claims from Truveta Data. The study included 153,899 immunocompetent adults who turned 50 between 2018 and 2024 and had at least one year of continuous enrollment after their 50th birthday.
Uptake increased among newly eligible adults
Researchers estimated cumulative incidence of vaccination by eligibility year. Overall, 9.9% of adults received at least one Shingrix dose within one year of becoming eligible.
One-year uptake increased from 2.6% among adults who became eligible in 2018 to 14.0% among those who became eligible in 2024. Three-year uptake reached 27.5% among adults who became eligible in 2022.
Most initiators completed the series
Among adults who initiated Shingrix within the first year of eligibility, 62.6% completed the series within six months and 74.5% completed the series within 12 months.
Predictors of Shingrix vaccination varied
Multivariable logistic regression identified predictors of both initiation and series completion. Influenza vaccination during a person’s 50th year was the strongest predictor of Shingrix vaccination.
Women and Asian adults had higher odds of initiation. Black or African American adults, Medicaid/CHIP enrollees, rural residents, and adults with cardiovascular disease had lower odds of initiation.
Why it matters
Shingrix uptake among newly eligible adults has increased rapidly since 2018, with most initiators completing the series within 12 months. However, persistent sociodemographic disparities highlight the need for targeted strategies to improve equitable vaccine uptake.
Read the full study
Predictors of initiation and completion of Shingrix vaccination in immunocompetent adults newly eligible for vaccination from 2018–2024, Human Vaccines and Immunotherapeutics
You can also view the full study, including data definitions, directly in Truveta.
