ZOSTER VACCINE LIVE

Zostavax® (Merck) is a live, attenuated varicella-zoster virus vaccine.

DOSING INFORMATION:
The recommended dose is a single subcutaneous dose of the entire vial.

PHARMACOKINETICS:
Varicella zoster virus antibody levels increased 1.7-fold by 6 weeks postvaccination. The duration of immunity is for at least 4 years.

CAUTIONS:
Most adverse events were of mild intensity. The most common adverse effects reported include vaccine-related injection-site reactions and headache. Serious adverse events reported in 2 subjects were asthma exacerbation and polymyalgia rheumatica.

CLINICAL APPLICATIONS:
Zoster vaccine is indicated for the prevention of herpes zoster (shingles) in individuals 60 years of age and older.

The information above is for use only by healthcare professionals in conjunction with clinical data and their professional judgment.