Introduction

Class Name(s):

• 80:12 Vaccines

Brand Name(s):

• Zostavax^®

Why get vaccinated?

Zoster vaccine live may prevent herpes zoster (Shingles). Shingles happens when a prior infection with the herpes zoster virus becomes active again. This may happen when we age or our immune system is weakened by a condition or medications.

Shingles may cause a painful rash to appear (typically on one side of the body).

Zoster vaccine live contains the live virus that has been weakened so it does not cause disease but can still stimulate the body to make antibodies against the virus to provide a defense against potential infection.

How is the vaccine given?

Zoster vaccine live comes as a suspension (liquid) to be given subcutaneously (under the skin) by a healthcare provider.

Zoster vaccine live is given as a single one time dose to adults 50 years of age and older.

What should you tell the person who is giving the vaccine?

Tell your vaccine provider if you:

• have had an allergic reaction to this vaccine, any part of this vaccine, any other vaccine or any drug, food or substance. Tell your vaccine provider about the allergy and what symptoms you had.
• are immunosuppressed due to a medical condition, such as HIV/AIDs or cancer, or are taking medications that weaken the immune system.
• are in close contact with newborn infants or to individuals who may be pregnant or are immunosuppressed
• are pregnant. Zoster vaccine live is not recommended during pregnancy. Talk to your vaccine provider about the right time to receive this vaccine following pregnancy.
• are breastfeeding. Zoster vaccine live is not recommended while breastfeeding

In some cases, your health care provider may decide to postpone vaccination to a future visit.

What are the risks from vaccination?

Side effects that have been reported with zoster vaccine live include:

• headache
• redness, pain, swelling, or rash at the site of injection

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

• rash, hives, difficulty breathing or swallowing

People sometimes faint after medical procedures, including vaccination. Tell your provider if you feel dizzy or have vision changes or ringing in the ears.

Adverse reactions should be reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). Your health care provider will usually file this report, or you can do it yourself. Visit http://vaers.hhs.gov or call 1-800-822-7967. VAERS is only for reporting reactions, and VAERS staff members do not give medical advice.

How can I learn more?

• Read the Vaccine Information Sheet (VIS) that your vaccine provider will give you, or you can obtain it at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/current-vis/index.html
• Ask your healthcare provider.
• Call your local or state health department.

This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.

AHFS^® Patient Medication Information™ Copyright, 2026. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists^®, 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.

Selected Revisions: July 15, 2026.