Zostavax Vaccine

By Zostavax

Rx

1 Injection in a Vial

Composition icon

Composition

Live Attenuated Varicella-Zoster Virus(19400PFU)

Manufacturer - MSD Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd icon

Manufacturer - MSD Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd

Platina, 8th Floor, C.59, G Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra (East) , Mumbai - 400098,

Expires on or after icon

Expires on or after

April, 2026

About Zostavax Vaccine

Zostavax Vaccine is a medicine recommended for adults aged 50 years and above to guard against herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles. This vaccine contains a weakened form of the varicella-zoster virus, which is responsible for chickenpox. The way it works is by boosting your immune system defenses to shield you from developing herpes zoster.

Healthcare professionals administer the Zostavax Vaccine, and it is not meant for self-administration. The vaccine can help prevent the nerve pain that some individuals may experience after contracting shingles. While it is effective for many, not everyone who receives the vaccine will be completely protected against the disease. It is crucial to note that Zostavax Vaccine is not a treatment for herpes zoster or the associated nerve pain once it has already occurred.

Some common side effects of the Zostavax Vaccine may include redness, pain, itching, swelling, or bruising at the injection site. In some cases, individuals may also experience fever and headaches. If these side effects persist or worsen, it is essential to inform your doctor promptly. Your healthcare provider can provide guidance on managing or preventing these symptoms effectively.

Prior to receiving the Zostavax Vaccine, it is crucial to ensure its safety for you. Therefore, it is important to discuss any existing heart, liver, or kidney conditions with your doctor. Additionally, disclosing all medications you are currently taking to your doctor is essential to avoid any potential complications.


Benefits

The Zostavax Vaccine offers various benefits in preventing Herpes zoster infection, commonly known as shingles. This viral infection causes a painful rash, and the vaccine works by building persistent immunity against it in both children and adults. By receiving the vaccine, individuals can lower the risk of the latent virus reactivating. Latent virus refers to when the virus is in a dormant phase, not actively producing more viruses. Administered as an injection by a healthcare professional, the vaccine should not be self-administered. Maintaining a healthy immune system is crucial in preventing Herpes zoster infection, making the vaccine an important tool in safeguarding against this condition. Additionally, practicing good hygiene habits can further help in preventing the spread of the infection. Overall, the Zostavax Vaccine is a valuable resource in the fight against Herpes zoster, offering protection and peace of mind to those who receive it.


How to use the Zostavax Vaccine

To use the Zostavax Vaccine, it is important to have a healthcare professional administer it to you. Your doctor or nurse will carefully give you the vaccine to ensure it is done correctly and safely. It is not recommended to try to administer the vaccine yourself. By following the guidance of a healthcare provider, you can receive the Zostavax Vaccine effectively and maximize its benefits in protecting against shingles. It is crucial to heed this advice to ensure the vaccine is administered properly and works as intended.


Uses of Zostavax Vaccine

The Zostavax Vaccine is primarily used for the prevention of Herpes zoster, which is also known as shingles. By administering this vaccine, individuals can significantly lower their risk of developing shingles, a painful condition caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus. The vaccine works by boosting the body's immune response to the virus, helping to prevent the occurrence of shingles or reducing its severity if it does occur. Vaccination is recommended for certain age groups to provide protection against this viral infection and its associated complications.


What conditions Zostavax Vaccine treats?

Zostavax Vaccine is used in adults aged 50 or older to prevent herpes zoster, also known as shingles. Herpes zoster is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. The vaccine contains a weakened chickenpox virus that helps the immune system protect against herpes zoster. While it can prevent nerve pain following shingles in some individuals, it may not protect everyone. It cannot treat herpes zoster once contracted. Common side effects include redness, pain, itching, and swelling at the injection site, as well as fever and headache. Consulting a doctor is important for managing side effects. It is essential to inform the doctor about any existing heart, liver, or kidney problems and medications before receiving the vaccine. Maintaining good hygiene and overall immune health also play a role in preventing herpes zoster infection.


Should you consult a doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms after receiving the Zostavax Vaccine, it is important to seek medical attention: persistent redness, pain, itching, swelling, or bruising at the injection site that does not improve or worsens over time. Additionally, if you develop a fever or headache that does not go away, it is recommended to consult your doctor. Other concerning symptoms may include skin rash, skin redness, or swelling. If you have any pre-existing heart, liver, or kidney conditions, or if you are taking other medications, inform your doctor before receiving the vaccine to ensure it is safe for you. It is normal to experience mild side effects after vaccination, but if these symptoms persist or cause you worry, seeking advice from your healthcare provider is advisable.


Side effects of Zostavax Vaccine

When you receive the Zostavax Vaccine, you may experience some side effects. These side effects are usually not severe and tend to go away as your body gets used to the vaccine. However, it's essential to talk to your doctor if the side effects persist or if you're concerned about them. Common side effects of the Zostavax Vaccine may include fever, headache, itching at the injection site, pain, skin rash, skin redness (known as erythema), swelling, and upper respiratory tract infection. If any of these side effects bother you or last for an extended period, seek medical advice.


Safety advice

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liver

Zostavax Vaccine appears to be safe for patients with liver disease based on the limited data available. There is no clear evidence suggesting the need for dose adjustment in such patients. However, it is always advisable to consult with your doctor before proceeding with any vaccination, including Zostavax.

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kidney

Zostavax Vaccine appears safe for kidney disease patients. Limited data suggests dose adjustment may not be necessary. Consult your doctor for guidance.

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alcohol

Consult your doctor when consuming alcohol with Zostavax Vaccine.

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driving

Zostavax Vaccine generally does not impact your driving ability.

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pregnancy

Zostavax Vaccine is not recommended during pregnancy as limited human studies suggest potential harm to the baby based on animal research. Consult your doctor to assess the risks and benefits before considering vaccination.

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breastfeeding

Zostavax Vaccine is considered safe to use while breastfeeding. Research indicates that the vaccine does not transfer in large quantities into breast milk, posing minimal risk to the baby.


Consumption warning before consuming Zostavax Vaccine

Before considering the consumption of Zostavax Vaccine, it is crucial to understand certain warnings associated with this medicine. Zostavax Vaccine is primarily used in adults aged 50 years or older to prevent herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles. This vaccine contains a weakened form of the varicella-zoster virus, the virus responsible for causing chickenpox and shingles. It is administered by healthcare professionals and should not be self-administered.

While Zostavax Vaccine can help prevent nerve pain that may arise after shingles, it is essential to note that it may not provide complete protection against the disease for everyone. This vaccine is not intended for treating existing cases of shingles or the nerve pain that follows the condition once it develops.

Common side effects of Zostavax Vaccine may include redness, pain, itching, swelling, bruising at the injection site, fever, and headache. It is important to inform your doctor if these side effects persist or worsen. Additionally, before receiving the vaccine, inform your doctor about any heart, liver, or kidney issues you may have, as well as all medications you are currently taking.


What if you forgot to take Zostavax Vaccine?

If you forget to take your Zostavax Vaccine dose, it’s important to seek advice from your doctor. Consulting with your healthcare provider is necessary if you have missed a dose of this vaccine. Remember that your doctor can provide you with guidance on what steps to take if you have missed a scheduled dose of Zostavax. It is crucial to follow professional medical advice in case of a missed vaccine dose to maintain the effectiveness of the vaccination.


Additional Information

Habit FormingNo
Chemical ClassVaccines
Therapeutic ClassVACCINES
Action Class-

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Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is to the best of our abilities to ensure it is accurate, reliable, and reviewed by a team of professionals. It should not be used to diagnose, prevent, or cure any health problem. The information presented here is not intended to create a doctor-patient relationship or replace a registered medical practitioner's advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The absence or provision of any information or warning regarding any medicine should not be assumed as an implied or explicit assurance of safety or efficacy. We highly recommend consulting your registered medical practitioner for all queries or doubts related to your medical condition. Do not ignore professional medical advice or delay seeking it based on the content encountered on our website. We intend to support, not replace, the doctor-patient relationship.

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Dr. Archana Prabhakar

MBBS, M.Med (Family Medicine)

Last update on 11-Feb-2025