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In this Article

• What is zoster vaccine live (Zostavax)?
• What are the possible side effects of zoster vaccine live (Zostavax)?
• What is the most important information I should know about zoster vaccine live (Zostavax)?
• What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving zoster vaccine live (Zostavax)?
• How is zoster vaccine given (Zostavax)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Zostavax)?
• What happens if I overdose (Zostavax)?
• What should I avoid before or after receiving zoster vaccine live (Zostavax)?
• What other drugs will affect zoster vaccine live (Zostavax)?
• Where can I get more information?

What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving zoster vaccine live (Zostavax)?

You should not receive this vaccine if you have:

• active untreated tuberculosis;
• leukemia, lymphoma, or other cancer affecting bone marrow;
• a history of allergic reaction to gelatin or neomycin (Mycifradin, Neo-Fradin, Neo-Tab);
• a weak immune system caused by disease (such as HIV or AIDS), or by receiving medications such as steroids or chemotherapy; or
• if you are pregnant.

Before receiving zoster vaccine, tell your doctor if you have:

• a history of allergic reaction to any vaccine;
• if you have received a "live" vaccine within the past 4 weeks; or
• if you have never had chickenpox.

You can still receive a vaccine if you have a minor cold. If you have tuberculosis, or any other severe illness with a fever or any type of infection, wait until you get better before receiving this vaccine.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether zoster vaccine is harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control to prevent pregnancy for at least 3 months after receiving this vaccine.

It is not known whether zoster vaccine passes into breast milk, or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Zoster vaccine should not be given to a child.

How is zoster vaccine given (Zostavax)?

Zoster vaccine is given as an injection under the skin. You will receive this vaccine in a doctor's office or other clinic setting.

Zoster vaccine is usually given as a one-time injection. Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, you will not need a booster vaccine.

You may receive other vaccines at the same time you receive zoster vaccine.