Shingrix inactivated

Herpes zoster is caused by the same virus (varicella) that causes chickenpox in children. When this virus becomes active again in an adult, it can cause herpes zoster, or shingles. Zoster vaccine is a live vaccine that helps prevent shingles.

This vaccine works by exposing you to a small dose of inactive virus, which causes the body to develop immunity to the disease. This vaccine will not treat an active infection that has already developed in the body.

Zoster vaccine is used to prevent herpes zoster virus (shingles) in people age 50 and older.

Zoster vaccine will not treat chickenpox, shingles, or nerve pain caused by shingles (post-herpetic neuralgia).

Zoster vaccine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not receive a booster vaccine if you had a life-threatening allergic reaction after the first shot.

You should not receive this vaccine if you have ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to any vaccine containing zoster virus.

To make sure zoster vaccine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any vaccine.

It is not known whether zoster vaccine is harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether zoster vaccine passes into breast milk or if it could affect the nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.

Zoster vaccine is given as an injection (shot) into a muscle. You will receive this vaccine in a doctor's office or other clinic setting.

Zoster vaccine is usually given in a series of 2 shots. The second shot may be given any time within 2 to 6 months after the first shot.

You may receive zoster vaccine at the same time that you get a flu shot.

Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

• Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about this vaccine. Additional information is available from your local health department or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Copyright 1996-2012 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 1.01.

Date modified: December 03, 2017
Last reviewed: November 06, 2017