Zoster (Shingles) Vaccine

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Zoster (Shingles) Vaccine?

A:  Zoster, also known as Shingles or herpes zoster, is a painful skin rash, often with blisters. It usually appears on one side of the face or body within 2 to 4 weeks. Its main symptom is pain, which can be severe. Other symptoms can include fever, headache, chills, and an upset stomach. Very rarely, a shingles infection can lead to pneumonia, hearing problems, blindness, brain inflammation (encephalitis), or death. For about one in every five people, severe pain can continue even long after the rash has cleared up. This long-lasting pain is called post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), which can last for months or years. The risk of PHN increases with age.

Q: Who is susceptible to Zoster?

A: Zoster is caused by the varicella zoster virus. After you have chickenpox, the virus stays in the nerves and can become active later in life. Zoster is far more common in people 50 years of age and older than in younger people. It is also more common in people whose immune system is weakened because of a disease such as cancer, or by drugs such as steroids or chemotherapy.

Q: How is Zoster prevented?

A: The best and the most effective way is vaccination. There are two vaccines for the prevention of zoster overseas.

One vaccine is called Zostavax, manufactured by Merck. Zostavax is an inactivated vaccine, which was approved by the FDA in 2006. It is registered in 62 countries, with more than 29 million prescriptions ordered in clinics. In clinical trials, the vaccine reduced the risk of zoster infection by 50%-70%. For people who are still infected with zoster after vaccination, their pain can be relieved. Only one dose of Zostavax is needed for adults 50 and older.

The other vaccine is called Shingrix, manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. It is a recombinant zoster vaccine with 90% efficacy  in clinical trials, which is superior to that of Zostavax. In 2007, it was approved by United States FDA with a unanimous vote for the prevention of zoster in adults 50 and older. Shingrix consists of 2 doses, given 2-6 months apart.

 

Source: www.cdc.gov/vaccines