Adult Dosing
Prevention of herpes zoster (shingles)
- Adults
50 yrs: 0.65 mL SC as a single dose in the deltoid region of the upper arm
Note:
- Indicated for subcutaneous administration only; do not inject intravascularly or intramuscularly
Pediatric Dosing
- Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established
[Outline]
See Supplemental Patient Information
- Administer immediately after reconstitution to minimize loss of potency; discard reconstituted vaccine if not used within 30 minutes
- Not indicated for the treatment of zoster or postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)
- Not indicated for prevention of primary varicella infection (chickenpox)
- Risk of serious adverse reactions, including anaphylaxis, exists with this vaccine. Epinephrine injection (1:1000) and other appropriate agents should be readily available in case of an unexpected anaphylactic/anaphylactoid reaction
- Delay use in patients with active untreated tuberculosis or those with acute febrile illness
- Vaccine does not result in protection of all vaccine recipients; duration of protection beyond 4 yrs after vaccination is unknown
- Transmission of vaccine virus may occur rarely between vaccinees and susceptible contacts
Supplemental Patient Information
- Inform all potential vaccinees of the risks and benefits of immunization, including the potential risk of transmitting the vaccine virus to susceptible individuals, such as immunosuppressed or immunodeficient individuals or pregnant women who have not had chickenpox
- Instruct vaccinees to report any serious adverse reactions or any symptoms of concern to their physician
Pregnancy Category:C
Breastfeeding: It is unlikely that women in the target population (60 yrs) would be nursing an infant. However, this drug is compatible and considered safe with breastfeeding based upon LactMed database (available at http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?LACT last accessed 6 September 2010). Manufacturer advises not to be indicated in women of childbearing age and should not be administered to pregnant women.
