Zostavax

Zostavax Vaccine is a live attenuated virus vaccine. It contains a weakened virus that helps stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies against the actual infection causing virus. This helps protect the individual from getting infected in future, if exposed.

Zostavax Vaccine should be administered under the supervision of a trained healthcare professional or a doctor and should not be self-administered. It is usually given intramuscularly (into the muscle). Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to get maximum benefit from Zostavax Vaccine.

Zostavax Vaccine should not be given to people who are allergic to Zostavax Vaccine or any of its ingredients or if they have had an allergic reaction to it earlier. Individuals who have compromised immunity must also refrain from getting vaccinated with Zostavax Vaccine. Pregnant females too should not be administered Zostavax Vaccine.

The possible side effects of Zostavax Vaccine are fever, headache, injection site itching, pain, skin rash, erythema (skin redness), swelling, and upper respiratory tract infection. However, these are usually not bothersome and will resolve in sometime. If they don’t, consult your doctor.