Zostavax Vaccine
It is given by a healthcare professional and should not be self-administered. It prevents the nerve pain that can follow herpes zoster (shingles) in some people. It does not protect everyone, so some people who get the vaccine may still get the disease. It cannot be used to treat herpes zoster or the nerve pain that may follow shingles, once you have it.
Zostavax Vaccine
Basic Information
Important information about this medicine
About This Medicine
General information about this product
Zostavax Vaccine is a medicine used in adults 50 years of age or older to prevent herpes zoster (also called shingles). It contains a weakened chickenpox virus (varicella-zoster virus). It works by helping your immune system protect you from getting herpes zoster.
It is given by a healthcare professional and should not be self-administered. It prevents the nerve pain that can follow herpes zoster (shingles) in some people. It does not protect everyone, so some people who get the vaccine may still get the disease. It cannot be used to treat herpes zoster or the nerve pain that may follow shingles, once you have it.
The most common side effects of this medicine include redness, pain, itching, swelling, or bruising where the shot was given. It may also cause fever, headache, and upper respiratory tract infection. If these side effects do not go away with time or get worse, let your doctor know. Your doctor may help with ways to reduce or prevent these symptoms.
To make sure the vaccine is safe for you, before receiving the vaccine, it is important to let your doctor know if you have any problems with your heart, liver, or kidneys. You should also tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking.
03Uses
Prevention of Herpes zoster
04How To Use
Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.
05How It Works
Zostavax Vaccine is a vaccine. It helps develop immunity by initiating a mild infection. This type of infection does not cause illness, but it does stimulate the body’s immune system to produce antibodies to protect against any future infections.
06What If You Miss A Dose?
If you miss a dose of Zostavax Vaccine, please consult your doctor.
07Benefits
In Prevention of Herpes zoster
Zostavax Vaccine helps prevent Herpes zoster infection, a viral infection that causes a painful rash. The vaccine induces persistent immunity to the viral infection in healthy children and adults. It also has the potential to lower the risk of reactivation of latent virus (latent virus means that the virus is in a resting phase, and is not producing more active viruses). It is given as an injection by a doctor or nurse and should not be self-administered. Keeping the immune system healthy, is the best way to prevent it. Maintaining good hygiene is another way of preventing herpes zoster infection.
08Side Effects
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Upper respiratory tract infection
Swelling
Erythema (skin redness)
Skin rash
Pain
Injection site itching
Headache
Fever
09Safety Information
Alcohol:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Zostavax Vaccine. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Zostavax Vaccine may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
Breast feeding:SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Zostavax Vaccine is safe to use during breastfeeding. Human studies suggest that the drug does not pass into the breastmilk in a significant amount and is not harmful to the baby.
Driving:SAFE
Zostavax Vaccine does not usually affect your ability to drive.
Kidney:SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Zostavax Vaccine is probably safe to use in patients with kidney disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Zostavax Vaccine may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.
Liver:SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Zostavax Vaccine is probably safe to use in patients with liver disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Zostavax Vaccine may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.
10Drug Tips
Zostavax Vaccine helps prevent herpes zoster and the long-lasting nerve pain that follows it.
It is used to vaccinate individuals 50 years of age or older.
It is injected under the skin or into the muscle, preferably in the upper arm as a single dose.
You may get a rash or mild fever, feel tired or sore at the site of the injection.
Do not take Zostavax Vaccine if you are pregnant or have a weak immune system.
References
Sources and references
Sinha A, Singh S. Immunization and Immunodeficiency. In: Paul VK, Bagga A, editors. Ghai Essential Pediatrics. 8th ed. New Delhi: CBS Publisher’s & Distributors Pvt Ltd.; 2013. p. 197.
ScienceDirect. Varicella Zoster Virus. view
Live Attenuated Varicella-Zoster Virus. Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire: Merck Sharp & Dohme Limited; 2003 . view
Live Attenuated Varicella-Zoster Virus. Winnipeg, Canada: Cangene Corporation; view
