zoster vaccine live

Zoster vaccine live is a **live attenuated vaccine** developed for the prevention of shingles (herpes zoster), a disease caused by reactivation of the varicella zoster virus—the same virus that causes chickenpox. The vaccine contains a weakened form of the varicella zoster virus at a much higher titer than the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine[1][3]. It works by stimulating the immune system to recognize and mount a response against the varicella zoster virus, thereby reducing the risk of virus reactivation and subsequent shingles. The primary indication is prevention of herpes zoster and its complications, primarily in older adults[1]. Zoster vaccine live was first licensed in 2006 under the trade name Zostavax[1]. Due to the arrival of more effective recombinant vaccines, such as Shingrix, Zostavax is no longer recommended as first line in many countries, and since November 2020 is not available for use in the United States[6][9]. However, it may still be available in some other regions.

Brand names

Zostavax

Other names

herpes zoster vaccine livezoster vaccinelive