In a group of over 3,300 Chinese adults over 50 who received the shingles vaccine, about 7 in 1,000 had a serious health problem between their first dose and one year after their last dose, but only about 1 in 1,000 of those was thought to be possibly linked to the vaccine, and none of the deaths were considered related to it.
Evidence from Studies
No evidence studies found yet.
What Would Prove This
Per GRADE and EBM methodology, here is what ideal scientific evidence would look like to definitively prove or disprove this claim, ordered from strongest to weakest.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs and large cohort studies could determine whether RZV increases the relative risk of serious adverse events compared to placebo or no vaccination in adults ≥50.
A systematic review and meta-analysis pooling individual participant data from at least 15 RCTs and prospective cohort studies involving 100,000+ adults ≥50, comparing incidence of SAEs within 12 months of RZV versus control, using standardized definitions and blinded adjudication.
A randomized controlled trial could determine whether the incidence of serious adverse events is significantly higher after RZV vaccination than after placebo injection in adults ≥50.
A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 20,000 adults aged 50–85, randomized 1:1 to receive RZV or saline placebo, with active surveillance for serious adverse events over 12 months, using independent, blinded adjudication committees for event classification.
A prospective cohort study with an unvaccinated control group could estimate the relative risk of serious adverse events following RZV vaccination in a real-world Chinese population.
A prospective cohort study of 50,000 Chinese adults aged 50–85, with 25,000 receiving RZV and 25,000 not vaccinated, followed for 12 months with monthly active surveillance for serious adverse events, adjusting for age, comorbidities, and healthcare utilization patterns.
A case-control study could identify whether specific serious adverse events (e.g., myocardial infarction, stroke) occur more frequently in individuals who received RZV compared to those who did not.
A matched case-control study of 1,000 Chinese adults aged 50+ diagnosed with a serious adverse event within 12 months of vaccination, each matched to two controls without the event, assessing prior RZV exposure within 60 days, with blinded exposure assessment and medical record verification.
A cross-sectional survey could estimate the prevalence of recent serious adverse events among vaccinated and unvaccinated adults ≥50 in China at a single point in time.
A nationally representative survey of 20,000 Chinese adults aged 50+ asking about vaccination status and any serious adverse events within the past 12 months, using validated questionnaires and medical record verification for a subset.