Shingles Vaccine

The shingles vaccine is recommended for people over the age of 60. It is not used to treat an active case of shingles but can be given to help prevent shingles. The vaccine, which is given as a single injection, is typically effective for at least four years. While most people tolerate the vaccine well, potential side effects include headaches and injection site reactions.

 

What Is the Shingles Vaccine?

The shingles vaccine (Zostavax®) is a single-dose vaccine used to prevent shingles in people 60 years old and older. It is not used to treat an active case of shingles.
 
(Click What Is the Shingles Vaccine Used For? for more information on shingles vaccine uses, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes It?

The shingles vaccine is made by Merck & Co., Inc.
 

How Does It Work?

Shingles is caused by a virus, the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). The initial infection of varicella-zoster virus causes a case of chickenpox. After the case of chickenpox, the virus never goes away. It remains inactive in certain nerve cells of the body, waiting to become active again (which usually occurs as people age and their immune systems are less able to suppress the virus). The shingles vaccine is a live (but weakened) version of the varicella-zoster virus. The shingles vaccine causes the body to produce an immune system response to the virus, which helps prevent shingles.
 

Effectiveness of the Shingles Vaccine

Like most vaccines, the shingles vaccine is not 100 percent effective at preventing shingles. Studies have shown than overall, giving the vaccine to people age 60 years and older reduces the chance of shingles by about 50 percent. Like most vaccines, the shingles vaccine is less effective when given to older individuals whose immune systems are less able to produce a response. In people 60 to 69 years old, the shingles vaccine prevented 64 percent of cases of shingles, while in people over the age of 80 years old, the drug prevented only 18 percent of shingles cases.
 
Even when the vaccine does not prevent shingles, it seems to reduce the complications that can occur from a case of shingles, such as chronic pain ("postherpetic neuralgia"), scarring, vision problems, and other problems.
 

When and How to Get It

General considerations for when and how to get the shingles vaccine include the following:
 
  • The shingles vaccine is given as a single injection, just under the skin of the upper arm.
     
  • It does not matter if you receive your shingles vaccine injection on a full or empty stomach.
     
  • The shingles vaccine has been studied to help prevent shingles for up to four years. At this time, it is not known if "booster" vaccines will be necessary.
     
  • If your healthcare provider recommends it, you may get your flu vaccine at the same visit.
     
  • Let your healthcare provider know if you are sick or not feeling well before the vaccine, as it may be best to postpone it until you are feeling better.
     

Dosing Information

There is only one standard way to dose the shingles vaccine, regardless of your age, weight, or medical conditions.
 
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Shingles Vaccine Dosing for more information.)
 

Side Effects of the Shingles Vaccine

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with the shingles vaccine. However, not everyone who gets the vaccine will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Common side effects of the shingles vaccine include, but are not limited to:
 
  • Injection site reactions, such as redness, pain, swelling, bruising, or itching
  • Headaches.
     
(Click Shingles Vaccine Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions

The shingles vaccine can interact with a few other medications (see Drug Interactions With the Shingles Vaccine).
 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to getting the shingles vaccine if you:
 
  • Have a weakened immune system, caused by HIV, AIDS, cancer, or other problems
  • Have had a reaction to a vaccine in the past
  • Are allergic to neomycin or gelatin
  • Have an active tuberculosis infection
  • Have any other allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
     
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Precautions and Warnings With the Shingles Vaccine to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

Can You Overdose on the Shingles Vaccine?

A shingles vaccine overdose is unlikely, since each vial of shingles vaccine contains just one dose. It is not known what to expect from an overdose with shingles vaccine.
 

Storage Methods

Your healthcare provider must store the shingles vaccine in the freezer before it is mixed. After it is mixed, it should be given within 30 minutes.
 

Is There a Generic Version of the Shingles Vaccine?

Currently, there is no generic version of the shingles vaccine licensed for sale (see Generic Zostavax).
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;