What Is the Shingles Vaccine Used For? (Cont.)

How Does the Shingles Vaccine Work?

The shingles vaccine is a live, attenuated vaccine. This means that it contains a version of the virus that is weakened but still alive. The vaccine works by stimulating the immune system to respond to the virus in the vaccine, which helps the body to suppress the varicella-zoster virus, helping to prevent shingles.
 

Shingles Vaccine Use in Children and Teens

Shingles vaccine is approved only in people age 60 years and older. It should not be used in children and teens, and it should not be used to prevent chickenpox.
 

Off-Label Shingles Vaccine Uses

On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend the shingles vaccine for something other than the prevention of shingles. At this time, there are no universally accepted off-label shingles vaccine uses.
 

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;