You should not receive Zostavax if you are pregnant or if you have active untreated tuberculosis, a weak immune system, leukemia or cancer that affects bone marrow, or if you have a history of allergic reaction to gelatin or neomycin.
You can still receive a vaccine if you have a minor cold. If you have tuberculosis, or any other severe illness with a fever or any type of infection, wait until you get better before receiving Zostavax.
Do not receive this vaccine if you have leukemia or lymphoma (or other cancer affecting bone marrow), a history of allergic reaction to neomycin (Mycifradin, Neo-Fradin, Neo-Tab). You should not receive Zostavax if you are pregnant, or if you have active untreated tuberculosis, any type of cancer that affects bone marrow, or a weak immune system caused by disease (such as HIV or AIDS) or by receiving medications such as steroids or chemotherapy.
Becoming infected with herpes zoster (shingles) is much more dangerous to your health than receiving this vaccine. However, like any medicine, Zostavax can cause side effects, but the risk of serious side effects is extremely low.
Before receiving this vaccine
You should not receive Zostavax if you have:
active untreated tuberculosis;
leukemia, lymphoma, or other cancer affecting bone marrow;
a history of allergic reaction to gelatin or neomycin (Mycifradin, Neo-Fradin, Neo-Tab);
a weak immune system caused by disease (such as HIV or AIDS), or by receiving medications such as steroids or chemotherapy; or
if you are pregnant.
To make sure Zostavax is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
a history of allergic reaction to any vaccine;
if you have received a "live" vaccine within the past 4 weeks; or
if you have never had chickenpox.
You can still receive a vaccine if you have a minor cold. If you have tuberculosis or any other severe illness with a fever or any type of infection, wait until you get better before receiving this vaccine.
Tell your doctor if someone in your household has a weak immune system. For a short time after you receive a Zostavax, it is possible that the live virus could be passed from you to any person who has a weak immune system.
It is not known whether Zostavax is harmful to an unborn baby. However, this vaccine is not for use in pregnant women. Avoid getting pregnant for at least 3 months after you have received a Zostavax.
It is not known whether zoster vaccine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Zostavax is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How is Zostavax given?
Zostavax is given as an injection (shot) under the skin. You will receive this vaccine in a doctor's office or other clinic setting.
Zostavax is usually given as a one-time injection. Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, you will not need a booster vaccine.
Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
