Zostavax is the brand name of the shingles vaccine, which is used to prevent shingles in people ages 50 and older.
Shingles is caused by varicella zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox in children.
In shingles, the virus becomes reactivated and shows up as a painful skin rash.
Zostavax helps you develop immunity to the virus by exposing you to small doses of it.
The vaccine may also help prevent nerve pain if you do get shingles.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Zostavax reduced the incidence of shingles by about 51 percent in a clinical trial of more than 38,000 people ages 60 and older.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Zostavax in 2006. It's manufactured by Merck.
Zostavax doesn't protect everyone from shingles. The vaccine also doesn't treat shingles or nerve pain if you already have shingles.
You shouldn't receive this vaccine if you:
Before receiving Zostavax, be sure to tell your doctor if you've never had chickenpox or if you've received a "live" vaccine (examples listed below) within the past four weeks.
You can still receive this vaccine if you have a minor cold. But wait to be vaccinated if you have TB or any other severe infection that causes a fever.
Don't get a booster dose of Zostavax if you experience a severe allergic reaction after the first shot.
Wait at least four weeks after your Zostavax injection to receive any other "live" vaccines. This may include a vaccination for:
Tell your healthcare provider if you plan to get Zostavax at the same time as Pneumovax 23. It might be better to receive these vaccines at least four weeks apart.
Avoid contact with people who've never had chickenpox if you develop a skin rash or other reaction after receiving Zostavax.
This vaccine shouldn't be given to children.
It's not known whether Zostavax can harm an unborn baby.
But this vaccine shouldn't be given to women of childbearing age anyway, so pregnant women shouldn't receive it.
It's also not known whether the vaccine may harm a breastfeeding baby.
Don't receive Zostavax while breastfeeding without talking to your doctor.
Tell your doctor if any of the following side effects become severe or don't go away:
Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following serious side effects:
Tell your doctor about all prescription, non-prescription, illegal, recreational, herbal, nutritional, or dietary drugs you're taking before receiving Zostavax.
Zostavax is given as an injection in the upper arm. It's administered in a doctor's office or other healthcare setting.
The vaccine is usually a one-time injection, but your doctor may recommend a booster dose.
An overdose of Zostavax is unlikely.
But if you suspect an overdose, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.
You can get in touch with a poison control center at 800-222-1222.
By Lynn Marks | Medically Reviewed by Robert Jasmer, MD
Latest Update: 2016-01-14
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