Generic name:zoster vaccine live [ ZOS-ter-vak-SEEN-LYV ]
Drug class:Viral vaccines
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 28, 2021.
Zostavax vaccine was discontinued in the United States in November 2020. The information on this page is for historical reference only.
What is Zostavax?
Zostavax is used to prevent herpes zoster virus (shingles) in people age 50 and older.
Herpes zoster is caused by the same virus (varicella) that causes chickenpox in children. When this virus becomes active again in an adult, it can cause herpes zoster, or shingles. Zoster vaccine is a live vaccine that helps prevent shingles.
Zostavax works by exposing you to a small dose of live virus, which causes the body to develop immunity to the disease. This vaccine will not treat an active infection that has already developed in the body.
Zostavax is used to prevent herpes zoster virus (shingles) in people age 50 and older.
Zostavax will not treat shingles or nerve pain caused by shingles (post-herpetic neuralgia).
Warnings
You should not receive Zostavax if you are pregnant or if you have active untreated tuberculosis, a weak immune system, leukemia or cancer that affects bone marrow, or if you have a history of allergic reaction to gelatin or neomycin.
You can still receive a vaccine if you have a minor cold. If you have tuberculosis, or any other severe illness with a fever or any type of infection, wait until you get better before receiving Zostavax.
Do not receive this vaccine if you have leukemia or lymphoma (or other cancer affecting bone marrow), a history of allergic reaction to neomycin (Mycifradin, Neo-Fradin, Neo-Tab). You should not receive Zostavax if you are pregnant, or if you have active untreated tuberculosis, any type of cancer that affects bone marrow, or a weak immune system caused by disease (such as HIV or AIDS) or by receiving medications such as steroids or chemotherapy.
Becoming infected with herp...
