For complete information, please refer to Zostavax® full prescribing information

What are the indications for Zostavax®?

Zostavax is approved for prevention of herpes zoster (shingles) in persons 60 years of age and older. It is not indicated for treatment of shingles or post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN).

How is the vaccine administered?

Zostavax should be administered as a single 0.65 mL dose subcutaneously in the deltoid muscle.

What are the contraindications to administration of Zostavax?

Zostavax should not be administered to individuals with a history of anaphylactic / anaphylactoid reaction to gelatin, neomycin or any other component of the vaccine. The vaccine should not be administered to individuals with suppressed immune systems, to women of child-bearing age or pregnant females.

For adults with no history of chickenpox, is antibody testing needed prior to receiving shingles vaccine?

It is assumed that every person 60 years of age and older who has lived his or her entire life in the US has been exposed to chickenpox and is therefore a vaccine candidate.

Should adults with a history of shingles get vaccinated?

Persons who have had shingles are unlikely to have it again (95 percent of cases are in people with no history of shingles). However, the vaccine is approved for use in anyone 60 years of age and older regardless of history of shingles.

Does Medicare pay for shingles vaccine?

The vaccine is reimbursed through Medicare Part D coverage. Beneficiaries should contact their plan directly for additional information regarding coverage.