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.

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.

Prevention of Herpes zoster

Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.

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.

If you miss a dose of Zostavax Vaccine, please consult your doctor.

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.

Q. Is Zostavax Vaccine live or inactivated?

Zostavax Vaccine is a live attenuated virus vaccine. It contains a weakened virus that helps stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies against the actual infection causing virus. This helps protect the individual from getting infected in future, if exposed.

Q. How is Zostavax Vaccine administered?

Zostavax Vaccine should be administered under the supervision of a trained healthcare professional or a doctor and should not be self-administered. It is usually given intramuscularly (into the muscle). Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to get maximum benefit from Zostavax Vaccine.

Q. Who should not get Zostavax Vaccine?

Zostavax Vaccine should not be given to people who are allergic to Zostavax Vaccine or any of its ingredients or if they have had an allergic reaction to it earlier. Individuals who have compromised immunity must also refrain from getting vaccinated with Zostavax Vaccine. Pregnant females too should not be administered Zostavax Vaccine.

Q. What are the possible side effects of Zostavax Vaccine?

The possible side effects of Zostavax Vaccine are fever, headache, injection site itching, pain, skin rash, erythema (skin redness), swelling, and upper respiratory tract infection. However, these are usually not bothersome and will resolve in sometime. If they don’t, consult your doctor.

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.

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

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.

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