zoster vaccine live

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

The zoster vaccine live is a vaccine used to prevent shingles, which is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus. 

The vaccine consists a weakened form of the virus, which is designed to stimulate the immune system to produce a protective response without causing disease. 

The vaccine works by activating the immune system to recognize and attack the varicella-zoster virus if it reactivates later in life. This helps to prevent the development of shingles or reduces the severity and duration of the illness if it does occur. 

The zoster vaccine live is recommended for adults over 50 years of age and is given as a single injection. The vaccine is highly effective in preventing shingles and reducing the risk of complications associated with the illness. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Black Box Warning

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication 

• Allergy: Individuals who have had a severe allergic reaction to any component of the zoster vaccine live, including gelatin or neomycin, should not receive the vaccine. 
• Immunocompromised individuals: The zoster vaccine live is a live vaccine and may not be suitable for individuals who have weak immune system due to medical conditions or medications, including those with HIV/AIDS, cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, or who are taking immunosuppressive medications. 
• Pregnancy: The safety of the zoster vaccine live during pregnancy has not been established, and it is generally not recommended for pregnant individuals. 
• Recent blood transfusion: Individuals who have received a blood transfusion or other blood products within the past 3 months should not receive the zoster vaccine live. 
• Active shingles: Individuals who currently have an active case of shingles should wait until the illness has resolved before receiving the zoster vaccine live. 

Caution 

• Mild illnesses: Individuals with mild illnesses, such as a cold or fever, may receive the zoster vaccine live, but should consult with their healthcare provider first. 
• Allergic reactions: Individuals who have a history of allergic reactions to other vaccines or injectable medications should be monitored carefully after receiving the zoster vaccine live. 
• Transmission: The zoster vaccine live contains a weakened form of the varicella-zoster virus, which may be shed in body fluids such as saliva or urine. While the risk of transmission is low, individuals who have close contact with immunocompromised individuals, such as those undergoing chemotherapy, should take precautions such as washing their hands frequently and avoiding close contact for at least 8 weeks after receiving the vaccine. 
• Timing: The zoster vaccine live should not be given within 2 weeks of receiving another live vaccine, such as the mumps, measles and rubella (MMR) vaccine or the yellow fever vaccine. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration:  

Category  

Breastfeeding warnings:  

Pregnancy category: 

• Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies do not show risk to the fetus in the first/later trimester.        
• Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women        
• Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.       
• Category D: adequate data available with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.        
• Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.        
• Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

The zoster vaccine live contains a weakened form of the varicella-zoster virus, i.e., virus that causes chickenpox and shingles. The vaccine is designed to stimulate the immune system to produce a protective response against the virus, reducing the risk of developing shingles and its associated complications. 

The weakened virus in the vaccine is known as the Oka/Merck strain, which was developed by attenuating the wild-type virus through serial passage in human and animal cell cultures. This process resulted in a strain that is less virulent but still capable of stimulating the immune system to produce a protective response. 

Pharmacodynamics: 

Mechanism of action: The zoster vaccine live operates by inducing the immune system to generate a protective response against the varicella-zoster virus, which is responsible for chickenpox and shingles. It includes a weakened version of the virus, known as the Oka/Merck strain. 

After administration of the vaccine, the weakened virus replicates in the body and triggers an immune response. This immune response involves the production of antibodies that are specific to the virus, as well as the activation of immune cells that can target and destroy cells infected with the virus. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

As a live vaccine, the zoster vaccine live is not subject to typical pharmacokinetic processes such as absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. Instead, the vaccine is designed to stimulate the immune system to produce a protective response against the varicella-zoster virus. 

After administration, the weakened virus in the vaccine replicates in the body, triggering an immune response that produces antibodies against the virus. These antibodies can help prevent the virus from reactivating and causing shingles in the future. The protective effect of the vaccine is thought to last for at least 5 years, although studies have suggested that it may last longer. 

The zoster vaccine live is generally well-tolerated, with few serious side effects. However, as it is a live vaccine, it may not be suitable for individuals with weakened immune systems or certain medical conditions, and caution should be exercised in these populations. 

It is important for individuals to discuss any questions or concerns they may have about the pharmacokinetics of the zoster vaccine live with their healthcare provider to determine if the vaccine is right for them. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

Subcutaneous administration 

The zoster vaccine live is administered as a single dose injection, typically in the upper arm. Here are some general guidelines for the administration of the zoster vaccine live: 

• Timing: The zoster vaccine live is recommended for adults over 50 years of age. Vaccine can be given at any time of year but is usually given during routine healthcare visits. 
• Preparation: The vaccine should be stored in a refrigerator at a temperature between 2°-8°C (36°F and 46°F). Before administration, the vaccine vial should be visually inspected to ensure that the vaccine is clear and free of particles or discoloration. 
• Administration: The vaccine is administered as a single 0.65-mL dose by subcutaneous injection in the upper arm. The injection site should be cleaned with an alcohol swab prior to administration. The vaccine should not be given intramuscularly or intravenously. 
• Monitoring: After receiving the vaccine, individuals should be monitored for at least 15 minutes to ensure that no immediate adverse reactions occur. Individuals who have a prior history of severe allergic reactions to vaccines or injectable medications may need to be monitored for a longer duration. 
• Follow-up: Individuals who receive the zoster vaccine live should receive a record of the vaccination and be advised to report any adverse reactions to their healthcare provider. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: zoster vaccine live zoster vaccine live (Discontinued) 

Pronounced: [ ZOS-ter-vak-SEEN-live] 

Why do we use zoster vaccine live? 

The zoster vaccine live is a vaccine that is used to help prevent shingles (herpes zoster) in adults aged 50 years and older. Shingles is a painful rash that is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus.The zoster vaccine live is designed to boost the immune system’s response to the varicella-zoster virus, reducing the risk of developing shingles and its associated complications. 

The zoster vaccine live has been shown to be effective in reducing the incidence, severity of shingles and its complications, including post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). The vaccine is also associated with a lower risk of hospitalization due to shingles. 

The zoster vaccine live is recommended for all adults aged 50 years and older, even if they have had shingles before. The vaccine is generally safe and well-tolerated, with few serious side effects. 

It is important for individuals to consult with their healthcare provider to determine if the zoster vaccine live is right for them and to discuss any questions or concerns they may have about the vaccine or its use.