Zoster Vaccine Live

Zoster vaccine live may prevent herpes zoster (Shingles). Shingles happens when a prior infection with the herpes zoster virus becomes active again. This may happen when we age or our immune system is weakened by a condition or medications.

Shingles may cause a painful rash to appear (typically on one side of the body).

Zoster vaccine live contains the live virus that has been weakened so it does not cause disease but can still stimulate the body to make antibodies against the virus to provide a defense against potential infection.

Zoster vaccine live comes as a suspension (liquid) to be given subcutaneously (under the skin) by a healthcare provider.

Zoster vaccine live is given as a single one time dose to adults 50 years of age and older.

Tell your vaccine provider if you:

• have had an allergic reaction to this vaccine, any part of this vaccine, any other vaccine or any drug, food or substance. Tell your vaccine provider about the allergy and what symptoms you had.
• are immunosuppressed due to a medical condition, such as HIV/AIDs or cancer, or are taking medications that weaken the immune system.
• are in close contact with newborn infants or to individuals who may be pregnant or are immunosuppressed
• are pregnant. Zoster vaccine live is not recommended during pregnancy. Talk to your vaccine provider about the right time to receive this vaccine following pregnancy.
• are breastfeeding. Zoster vaccine live is not recommended while breastfeeding

In some cases, your health care provider may decide to postpone vaccination to a future visit.

Side effects that have been reported with zoster vaccine live include:

• headache
• redness, pain, swelling, or rash at the site of injection

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

• rash, hives, difficulty breathing or swallowing

People sometimes faint after medical procedures, including vaccination. Tell your provider if you feel dizzy or have vision changes or ringing in the ears.

Adverse reactions should be reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). Your health care provider will usually file this report, or you can do it yourself. Visit https://vaers.hhs.gov or call 1-800-822-7967. VAERS is only for reporting reactions, and VAERS staff members do not give medical advice.

• Read the Vaccine Information Sheet (VIS) that your vaccine provider will give you, or you can obtain it at https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/current-vis/index.html
• Ask your healthcare provider.
• Call your local or state health department.

• Zostavax^®