zoster vaccine live attenuated

Live attenuated zoster vaccine is available as two products: Zostavax for the prevention of shingles, and Varivax for the prevention of chickenpox. While the two vaccines contain the same immunological components and provide protection against the same virus, Zostavax (which was first approved in 2006 by the FDA) contains a higher dose and is used to prevent the development of shingles and post-herpetic neuralgia. It is worth noting that the FDA originally recommended this vaccine (i.e. Zostavax) for individuals 60 years of age or older who are not severely allergic to any of its components, who do not have a weakened immune system due to HIV/AIDS, and who do not have a history of cancer affecting the bone marrow or lymphatic system, such as leukemia or lymphoma. As for the side effects of Zoster vaccine, they include pain and swelling at the injection site, headache, diarrhea, and respiratory tract disease. Bear in mind that the use of this vaccine during pregnancy is contraindicated. In fact, women should avoid becoming pregnant for 3 months after vaccination.