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Zoster Vaccine Live
This live attenuated varicella-zoster virus vaccine stimulates the immune system to recognize and prevent herpes zoster (shingles) by boosting cell-mediated immunity against VZV.
This live attenuated varicella-zoster virus vaccine stimulates the immune system to recognize and prevent herpes zoster (shingles) by boosting cell-mediated immunity against VZV. Used for Prevention of herpes zoster (shingles) in adults aged 50 years and older, Reduction of the incidence and severity of herpes zoster and post-herpetic neuralgia in immunocompetent adults.
At a glance
| Generic name | Zoster Vaccine Live |
|---|---|
| Also known as | ZOSTAVAX™, V211, ZOSTAVAX, Zostavax |
| Sponsor | Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC |
| Drug class | Live attenuated vaccine |
| Target | Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) |
| Modality | Biologic |
| Therapeutic area | Immunology / Infectious Disease |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Zoster Vaccine Live contains a weakened form of the varicella-zoster virus that replicates in the body at low levels, triggering both cellular and humoral immune responses. This primes the immune system to recognize and rapidly respond to wild-type VZV, reducing the risk of reactivation and the severity of herpes zoster disease. The vaccine is particularly effective at restoring VZV-specific cell-mediated immunity in older adults whose immunity has waned.
Approved indications
- Prevention of herpes zoster (shingles) in adults aged 50 years and older
- Reduction of the incidence and severity of herpes zoster and post-herpetic neuralgia in immunocompetent adults
Common side effects
- Injection site erythema
- Injection site swelling
- Injection site pain
- Headache
- Myalgia
- Fever
Key clinical trials
- Recombinant Zoster Vaccine in Young Adult Solid Organ Transplant Recipients (PHASE4)
- Recombinant Herpes Zoster Vaccine for Prevention of Cardiovascular Events and Dementia (PHASE4)
- Safety and Immunogenicity of CVI-VZV-001 in Adults Aged 50 Years and Above (PHASE2)
- Is a Third Dose of MMRV Vaccine Beneficial for the Adult Population in Alberta?
- Immunogenicity and Safety of Varicella Vaccine, Live in Healthy Vietnamese Children Aged 1~12 Years: A Single-armed Bridging Clinical Trial (PHASE3)
- Second Dose of Varicella Vaccine in Healthy Children (PHASE3)
- Recombinant Herpes Zoster Vaccine in Patients With Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases Under Immunomodulators (PHASE4)
- A Phase III Clinical Trial to Evaluate Long-Term Protective Efficacy of Recombinant Zoster Vaccine (CHO Cell) (PHASE3)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Zoster Vaccine Live CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Zoster Vaccine Live updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC portfolio CI