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Shingles Vaccine (Zostavax®)
What is shingles?
- Shingles (also known as herpes zoster) is a viral illness caused by reactivation of the chicken pox virus.
- The virus does not leave the body after chickenpox disease; it becomes inactive in the body's nerve cells.
- The virus can become active later in life; the cause is unknown and may occur years after chickenpox infection.
- Shingles is more common in older adults, in children who had chickenpox before 2 years of age, and in people with a weakened immune system.
- A person who has never had chickenpox can get chickenpox from coming into direct contact with the fluid of a shingles blister.
- Shingles is not spread from person to person.
- Symptoms include painful skin blisters on one side of the body.
- Shingles can lead to scarring, secondary bacterial infections, pneumonia, loss of hearing or vision, inflammation of the brain, and death.
- About 12% of those with shingles will experience a complication called postherpetic neuralgia which involves burning, shooting or stabbing pain which can persist for months or even years.
What does shingles vaccine contain?
Shingles vaccine contains the varicella-zoster virus.
Zostavax™ contains:
- Sucrose, pork gelatin, sodium chloride, monosodium L-glutamate monohydrate, sodium phosphate dibasic, potassium phosphate monobasic, potassium chloride.
- Trace amounts of neomycin and bovine calf serum.
- Manufactured on MRC-5 cells.
- Does not contain preservatives.
- Does not contain latex.
How effective is the vaccine?
- 51% effective against shingles.
- 73% effective in reducing the incidence of long-lasting and severe pain associated with Shingles.
How long does the protection last?
- At least 4 years. Duration of protection beyond 4 years is unknown
- The need for a booster is not currently established.
Who should receive shingles vaccine?
- The vaccine is indicated for adults 50 years of age or over.
- Available only for purchase.
Who should not receive shingles vaccine?
- Anyone who has had a life-threatening allergic reaction to the vaccine or any of its components.
- Anyone with blood disorder, leukemia, lymphoma or malignant neoplasms affecting bone marrow or lymphatic system.
- Anyone with immunosuppression or immunodeficiency or a family history of congenital or hereditary immunodeficiency, unless recommended by the Medical Health Officer.
- Persons under 50 years of age.
- Anyone with fever >38.5°C.
- Persons with active untreated tuberculosis.
- Anyone with moderate to severe illness may have to delay immunization.
- Anyone who has received pneumococcal 23 vaccine in the past 4 weeks.
- Person taking antivirals (Acycllvir, Famcyclovir, Valacyclovir) should stop taking the medication at least 24 hours before receiving shingles vaccine. The antivirals listed above should not be started until 14 days after receiving shingles vaccine.
- Anyone who has received blood products or immune globulin preparations in the last 11 months.
How is the vaccine given?
- By injection into the fatty layer beneath the skin. The outer aspect of the upper arm is the preferred site for injection.
When is the vaccine given?
- As a single dose, for adults 50 years and over.
- Should be administered on the same day or separated by 30 days from other live vaccines.
What might be felt after receiving the vaccine?
Very Common (Greater than 10%):
- Soreness, redness or swelling at injection site.
Common (Between 1% and 10%):
- Warmth, bruising or itchiness at the injection site.
- Headache.
Uncommon (Between 0.1% and < 1%):
Very Rare (Less than 0.01%)
- Severe allergic reactions.
Call the numbers below if you have a severe or unusual reaction.
International Travel Centre: (306) 655-4780
© 2009, Saskatoon Health Region. Reproduced only by permission.
(updated November 3, 2011)
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