[NRSKarenRN]

From Physician's News Digest NEWS BRIEFS :
Oct. 27, 2006

For the first time in almost 30 years, a government panel is adding a vaccine, for shingles, to the list of preventive shots recommended for older adults against debilitating or life-threatening illnesses.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted to recommend Merck & Co.'s new Zostavax vaccine for shingles in people over age 60, reported the Wall Street Journal. The committee of doctors and immunization experts convenes three times a year to shape vaccination policy for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and its recommendations help determine both medical practice and insurance coverage policies. Until now, the major vaccines recommended for older Americans have been to protect against flu and pneumonia, the Journal added.
Wall Street Journal, October 26, 2006 (subscription required)
Read on...

[Ruby Vee]

There's a vaccine for shingles? I want it! I've had seven episodes of shingles (always on the left side of my face) in less than three years.

[morte]

since shingles is a reactivation of chicken pox virus, can someone explain to me HOW you can have a vaccine for it???????????

[NRSKarenRN]

Vaccine information from Merck. ZOSTAVAX® [Zoster Vaccine, Live, (Oka/Merck)] is available from Merck. Learn more about this vaccine.
www.zostavax.com/

The use of ZOSTAVAX in individuals with a previous history of zoster has not been studied.

[CyndieRN2007]

It says this in the website info

ZOSTAVAX is a vaccine that is used for adults 60 years of age or older to prevent shingles (also known
as zoster).
ZOSTAVAX works by helping your immune system protect you from getting shingles and the associated
pain and other serious complications. 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.

[CyndieRN2007]

It says this in the website info

ZOSTAVAX is a vaccine that is used for adults 60 years of age or older to prevent shingles (also known as zoster).
ZOSTAVAX works by helping your immune system protect you from getting shingles and the associated
pain and other serious complications. 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.