What is the medication Zostavax used for?

Answer by  wyeth (435)

Zostavax is an vaccination against chicken pox virus which can protect elderly people 60 yrs and older against Shingles.Anyone who has had chicken pox can get shingles.The virus lies dormant in the sensory nerves and reactivates in older people as their immune defenses weaken. Immunization may prevent or lessen the severity if given before a shingles attack becomes evident.

Answer by  buneu (58)

Zostavax is a vaccine to prevent herpes and shingles. It does not cure these conditions and it should only be used by adults, preferably aged over 50. Because these skin conditions tend to get more painful with aging, your grandmother is quite smart to get vaccined.

Answer by  chrisf (14)

Zostavex is a medication used to prevent Shingles in adults. It comes in vaccination form and will help adults be protected from getting this painful disease. It is best given to adults in their sixties. The shot should be given before an adult gets Shingles to be effective. Shingles is a rash that is painful and causes blisters to arise.

Answer by  MedStudent01 (1131)

Zostavax isn't a medication, it's a live vaccine used to prevent the occurance of herpes zoster, or shingles. This vaccine is largely recommended for those over 60 who may have some sort of disposition towards getting shingles, such as an impaired immune system or a generally frail constitution. This is a FDA-approved vaccine.

Answer by  tml4986 (195)

Zostavax is a live vaccine indicated to prevent herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles, in patients 60 years and older. However, it is important to note that it is not used to treat shingles, only to prevent it.

Answer by  girl55555 (157)

Zostavax is a live vaccine. It's been shown to reduce the incidence of herpes zoster aka shingles. The vaccine also reduces the number of cases of postherpetic neuralgia and reduces the severity and duration of pain and discomfort associated with shingles. Local reactions at the injections site are generally mild.

Answer by  KMcRae (714)

Zostavax is utilized to immunize individuals against Shingles infection. It is given to individuals over the age of 60 and exposes them to a small amount of live virus causing the body to develop immunity.

Answer by  Kath (1537)

Zostavax is relly a vaccine to precent herpes or shingles. It is recommended for older folks, those over 60, who have a history of shingles. These folks would have an impaired immune system. This is FCA approved.

Answer by  1234563 (112)

The medication Zostavax is used to prevent shingles in people 50 and over. It exposes a person to a small dose of the virus, causing the body to become immune to shingles.

Answer by  DrMom (854)

Zostavax is a vaccine that is generally administered to people over the age of 60. It is said to prevent herpes zoster, or shingles.

Answer by  BrighamMSIV (229)

Zostavax is not a medication, but rather a vaccine for Herpes Zoster (a recurrence of the chicken pox virus that cause excruciating pain). It is not harmful and is recommended to all elderly patients.