AuthorisedTherapeutic use (Phase IV)Interventional

Herpes zoster after recombinant herpes zoster vaccination - Immediate post-RHZ-vaccination evolution of CMI, HMI and lymphocyte count and typing.

This study is investigating how a specific shingles vaccine, called Shingrix, affects your immune system in the three weeks immediately after you receive it. Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, and the vaccine helps your body fight it off. Researchers will be looking closely at different parts of your immune system to see how they change and develop their defence against the virus. They are particularly interested in how your body’s special immune cells and protective proteins respond. This is a Phase IV study, meaning the vaccine is already approved and used, and this research helps us understand more about how it works in real-world use.

At a glance

Status

Authorised

Phase

Therapeutic use (Phase IV)

Sponsor

Centre hospitalier universitaire de Liege

Enrolment target

Start

04 Dec 2025

Herpes Zoster virus prevention

What is this study about?

This study aims to understand precisely how the Shingrix vaccine, which helps prevent shingles, works inside your body. Shingles can be a very painful condition, and this vaccine is designed to boost your immune system's ability to fight off the virus that causes it. Researchers will be taking a close look at your immune system in the first three weeks after you get the vaccine.

They are interested in how your immune system produces special cells and protective substances that specifically target the shingles virus. Think of it like training your body's soldiers (immune cells) and creating special weapons (protective substances) to recognise and attack the enemy (the shingles virus). This study wants to see how quickly and effectively these soldiers and weapons are created after the vaccine.

By carefully measuring these changes in your immune system, scientists can learn more about how well the vaccine is training your body to protect itself. This information is important because it helps us understand the vaccine's effects and how it strengthens your body's defences against shingles.

Key takeaways

This study evaluates how the Shingrix vaccine changes your immune system.
It focuses on the first three weeks after vaccination.
Researchers will check your body's defence against the shingles virus.
The study helps us understand how the vaccine strengthens your immunity.
It's for adults aged 18 and over, both men and women.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult, 18 years old or older. There is no upper age limit, so people of all adult ages can take part.

Both men and women are welcome to participate in this research. The study is open to everyone, regardless of their gender.

Generally, clinical trials look for healthy people or people with specific conditions to answer their research questions. Make sure to discuss your full health history with the study team to confirm if this study is suitable for you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you interested in receiving the shingles vaccine?
Are you able to attend appointments for blood tests over three weeks?
Are you willing to share your health information for research?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study will involve receiving the Shingrix vaccine. Over a period of three weeks after your vaccination, you will have several assessments. These will include blood tests to measure specific parts of your immune system. Researchers will be checking for changes in certain immune cells and protective proteins that fight the shingles virus. The exact number of visits and blood tests will be explained in detail by the study team. You will be observed closely during this three-week period to track how your body's immune response develops.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study may offer the benefit of receiving the Shingrix vaccine, which helps prevent shingles. You'll also be contributing valuable information that helps us understand more about how this important vaccine works. As with any vaccine, there might be temporary side effects like soreness, redness, or swelling where you got the injection, or general flu-like symptoms. The study team will explain all known risks. Remember, you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

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Unverified
Belgium

Common questions

What is shingles?

Shingles is a painful rash with blisters, caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. It can affect anyone who has had chickenpox in the past.

What is Shingrix?

Shingrix is a vaccine designed to help prevent shingles by boosting your immune system's ability to fight the virus.

What does 'immune system' mean?

Your immune system is your body's natural defence against infections and illnesses, like an army protecting you from harmful germs.

How long will I be in the study?

The main part of this study will observe changes in your immune system over a three-week period right after you get the vaccine.

Is Shingrix already available?

Yes, Shingrix is an approved vaccine and is available for use. This study is learning more about how it works.