zoster vaccine live + pneumococcal vaccine, polyvalent

The combination of **zoster vaccine live** and **pneumococcal vaccine, polyvalent** refers to the concomitant administration of two distinct vaccines, typically Merck's **Zostavax** and **Pneumovax 23**. Zostavax is a live attenuated vaccine derived from the Oka/Merck strain of varicella-zoster virus (VZV), designed to boost VZV-specific T-cell immunity and prevent herpes zoster (shingles) and its complications, such as postherpetic neuralgia, in individuals aged 50 years and older. Pneumovax 23 is a 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) containing purified capsular polysaccharides from 23 serotypes of *Streptococcus pneumoniae*, providing protection against invasive pneumococcal disease. Clinical studies, including Phase III trials by Merck, evaluated the safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of these vaccines when administered simultaneously at different injection sites. These studies aimed to ensure that co-administration did not compromise the immune response to either vaccine compared to separate administration. While Zostavax has been largely superseded by the recombinant zoster vaccine (Shingrix) in many markets, this combination was a standard component of adult immunization strategies for the elderly population.

Brand names

ZostavaxPneumovax 23Pneumovax23Pneumovax-23

Other names

zoster vaccine livepneumococcal vaccine, polyvalentzoster vaccine live + pneumococcal vaccine polyvalentzoster vaccine live and pneumococcal vaccine polyvalent