Belaray Dermatology – Jericho, Plainview, Long Island, NY

ZOSTAVAX is a vaccine that is used for adults 60 years of age or older to prevent shingles (also known as zoster).  ZOSTAVAX contains a weakened chickenpox virus (varicella-zoster virus).  ZOSTAVAX works by helping your immune system protect you from getting shingles. If you do get  shingles even though you have been vaccinated, ZOSTAVAX may help prevent the nerve pain that can follow shingles in some people.

ZOSTAVAX may not protect everyone who gets the vaccine. ZOSTAVAX cannot be used to treat shingles once you have it.

Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Once you have had chickenpox, the virus can stay in your nervous system for many years. For reasons that are not fully understood, the virus may become active again and give you shingles. Age and problems with the immune system may increase your chances of getting shingles.

Shingles is a rash that is usually on one side of the body. The rash begins as a cluster of small red spots that often blister. The rash can be painful. Shingles rashes usually last up to 30 days and, for most people, the pain associated with the rash lessens as it heals.

You should not get ZOSTAVAX if you:

• are allergic to any of its ingredients.
• are allergic to gelatin or neomycin.
• have a weakened immune system (for example, an immune deficiency, leukemia, lymphoma, or HIV/AIDS).

• take high doses of steroids by injection or by mouth.

• are pregnant or plan to get pregnant.

• You should not get ZOSTAVAX to prevent chickenpox.
• Children should not get ZOSTAVAX.

How is ZOSTAVAX given?

What should I tell my health care provider before I get ZOSTAVAX?

You should tell your health care provider if you:

• have or have had any medical problems.
• take any medicines, including non-prescription medicines, and dietary supplements.
• have any allergies, including allergies to neomycin or gelatin.
• had an allergic reaction to another vaccine.
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
• are breast-feeding.

Tell your health care provider if you expect to be in close contact (including household contact) with newborn infants, someone who may be pregnant and has not had chickenpox or been vaccinated against chickenpox, or someone who has problems with their immune system. Your health care provider can tell you what situations you may need to avoid.

The most common side effects that people in the clinical studies reported after receiving the vaccine

include:

• redness, pain, itching, swelling, warmth, or bruising where the shot was given.
• headache.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new or unusual symptoms after you receive ZOSTAVAX.

Active Ingredient: a weakened form of the varicella-zoster virus.

Inactive Ingredients: sucrose, hydrolyzed porcine gelatin, sodium chloride, monosodium L-glutamate, sodium phosphate dibasic, potassium phosphate monobasic, potassium chloride.

Vaccinees and their health care providers are encouraged to call (800) 986-8999 to report any exposure to ZOSTAVAX during pregnancy.