Last reviewed 2026-04-20 · How we verify

ZOSTAVAX™

Zostavax is a vaccine developed by Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC to prevent shingles, a painful rash caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus. It is a live, attenuated vaccine administered via injection. The commercial status of Zostavax is patented, and it is not yet off-patent. Key safety considerations include the risk of herpes zoster, postherpetic neuralgia, and other adverse reactions. Zostavax is approved for use in individuals 50 years of age and older.

At a glance

Approved indications

No approved indications tracked.

Common side effects

No common side effects on file.

Key clinical trials

• T Cell Responses to Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) Vaccine SLVP020 (PHASE4)
• ZOSTAVAX™ (Zoster Vaccine Live) Long-term Effectiveness Study (V211-024)
• Study to Evaluate Immunogenicity and Safety Study of GSK Biologicals' Herpes Zoster (HZ) Vaccine GSK1437173A When Co-administered With Pneumovax 23™ in Adults Aged 50 Years and Older (PHASE3)
• Study to Evaluate Immunogenicity, Safety, and Tolerability of ZOSTAVAX™ Vaccine (Zoster Vaccine Live, V211) Administered Concomitantly Versus Nonconcomitantly With Quadrivalent Influenza Virus Vaccine (Inactivated) in Participants ≥50 Years of Age (V211-062) (PHASE3)
• Safety, Tolerability, and Immunogenicity of Zoster Vaccine Live (ZOSTAVAX™) in Healthy Adults in India (V211-025) (PHASE3)
• Study to Evaluate the Immunogenicity and Safety of GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Biologicals' Herpes Zoster Vaccine GSK1437173A When Co-administered With GSK Biologicals' Seasonal Influenza Vaccine GSK2321138A in Adults Aged 50 Years and Older (PHASE3)
• Placebo Controlled Evaluation of the Cell Mediated Immune Response of Cirrhotic Subjects to Zostavax™ (PHASE4)
• ZOSTAVAX™ Safety Study in Subjects ≥ 60 Years of Age (V211-020) (PHASE4)

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.