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Prevention of Shingles by Vaccination
Zostavax Vaccine
A new vaccine, Zostavax (Merck), has been approved in the United States for the prevention of shingles in individuals 60 years of age or older. Zostavax is administered as one dose via subcutaneous injection. It is not a substitute for Varivax and should not be used in children. Contraindications to and side effects of Zostavax are the same as for Varivax.
Because Zostavax is a live attenuated (weakened) vaccine, there is a theoretical risk of transmitting the vaccine virus to close contacts who are varicella-susceptible, including those who have problems with their immune system or are pregnant.
In one study, side effects of Zostavax included: headache (1.4%) and the following injection-site reactions: redness (33.7%), pain/tenderness (33.4%), swelling (24.9%), hematoma (1.4%), itching (6.6%), and warmth (1.5%). Most of these adverse experiences were reported as mild in intensity.
Some adults are unaware if they have had chickenpox (varicella) in their childhood and are, therefore, uncertain of their immunity status. Blood tests (enzyme immunoassay "EIA" or VZV Latex) are available to check for immunity. Seventy to ninety percent of adults who do not remember having chickenpox actually have protection in their blood when tested. If blood testing is not available for some reason, it is still safe to receive the vaccine even if you have previously had chickenpox.
