Shingles Vaccine Fact Sheet
Zostavax II®
What is Shingles?
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Shingles is caused by varicella zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes
chickenpox.
Symptoms include pain, burning, tingling, and a red skin rash that appears a few days
after the pain. The rash will turn into fluid-filled blisters that break open and crust
over.
Shingles can cause nerve pain that lasts for months or even years after the rash has
healed.
How is Shingles spread?
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After a person has chickenpox disease, the virus stays in their nerve cells even though
they don't have symptoms. The virus can become active later in life and cause
shingles.
The virus can be passed on to anyone who isn't protected against chickenpox. It is
spread by touching the sores of the shingles rash.
Once infected, the person will develop chickenpox (not shingles).
Who is at risk for Shingles?
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Everyone who has had chickenpox disease is at risk.
It can occur at any time or age. However, the risk increases with age, especially for
those over 50.
Who should get the vaccine?
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Adults 50 years of age and older
The Ontario government is giving this vaccine for free to people age 65-70.
Who should not get the vaccine?
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Anyone who is allergic to any component of the vaccine including gelatin or neomycin;
Anyone with a blood disorder or any type of cancer that weakens the immune system;
Anyone with a weakened immune system due to disease, medication or treatments;
Anyone with untreated tuberculosis (TB.)
How is the vaccine given?
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By injection (a needle) into the fatty layer beneath the skin.
What are the side effects?
Side effects include:
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Redness, swelling, and pain at the injection site;
You may have a lump beneath the skin at the injection site;
The site may be itchy, warm or may bruise;
Headache, fever and nausea are possible but should not last;
Some people get a rash after getting this vaccine. People who are not protected
against varicella have a very small chance of getting the virus from you if they come
into contact with your rash. If you get a rash, keep it covered and avoid being with
people who are not protected (like children too young to be vaccinated against
varicella or people with immune system problems).
References:
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Merck Canada Inc. (2014). Product Monograph – Zostavax II. Retrieved from
http://www.merck.ca/assets/en/pdf/products/VARIVAX_III-PM_E.pdf
Public Health Agency of Canada. (2014). Canadian Immunization Guide (Evergreen Ed.).
Retrieved from http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/cig-gci/index-eng.php
(EHU1001 Nov/16)