Zostavax
® (
shingles vaccine) is a single-dose vaccine used to prevent
shingles in people 60 years old and older. It is not used to treat an active case of shingles.
Zostavax is made by Merck & Co., Inc.
Shingles is caused by a virus, the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). The initial infection of varicella-zoster virus causes a case of
chickenpox. After the case of chickenpox, the virus never goes away. It remains inactive in certain nerve cells of the body, waiting to become active again (which usually occurs as people age and their immune systems are less able to suppress the virus). Zostavax is a live (but weakened) version of the varicella-zoster virus. It causes the body to produce an immune system response to the virus, which helps prevent shingles.
Like most vaccines, Zostavax is not 100 percent effective at preventing shingles. Studies have shown than overall, giving the drug to people age 60 and older reduces the chance of shingles by about 50 percent. Like most vaccines, Zostavax is less effective when given to older individuals whose immune systems are less able to produce a response. In people 60 to 69 years old, it prevented 64 percent of cases of shingles, while in people over the age of 80 years old, the drug prevented only 18 percent of shingles cases.
Even when Zostavax does not prevent shingles, it seems to reduce the complications that can occur from shingles, such as chronic pain ("
postherpetic neuralgia"), scarring, vision problems, and other problems.
General considerations for when and how to take Zostavax include the following:
- The medication is given as a single injection, just under the skin of the upper arm.
- It does not matter if you receive your injection on a full or empty stomach.
- Zostavax has been studied to help prevent shingles for up to four years. At this time, it is not known if "booster" vaccines will be necessary.
- If your healthcare provider recommends it, you may get your flu vaccine at the same visit.
- Let your healthcare provider know if you are sick or not feeling well before the vaccine, as it may be best to postpone it until you are feeling better.
There is only one standard way to dose Zostavax, regardless of your age, weight, or medical conditions.
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Zostavax. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Common side effects include but are not limited to:
- Injection site reactions, such as redness, pain, swelling, bruising, or itching
- Headaches.
(Click Zostavax Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Zostavax?
Talk with your healthcare provider prior to receiving the vaccine if you:
- Have a weakened immune system, caused by HIV, AIDS, cancer, or other problems
- Have had a reaction to a vaccine in the past
- Are allergic to neomycin or gelatin
- Have an active tuberculosis infection
- Have any other allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
A Zostavax overdose is unlikely, since each vial contains just one dose. Therefore, it is not known what to expect from an overdose.
How Should Zostavax Be Stored?
Your healthcare provider must store Zostavax in the freezer before it is mixed. After it is mixed, it should be given within 30 minutes.
Is There a Generic Version of Zostavax?
Currently, there is no generic version of Zostavax licensed for sale
(see Generic Zostavax).
