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The Introduction of A Vaccine For People Aged 70 Years (Routine Cohort) and 79 Years (Catch Up Cohort) To Protect Against Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
The Introduction of A Vaccine For People Aged 70 Years (Routine Cohort) and 79 Years (Catch Up Cohort) To Protect Against Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
become available in
future years
Presentation of Zostavax®
• Zostavax contains: • The vial is a lyophilised
• x1 Zostavax vial preparation that
• x1 pre-filled syringe appears as an off-white,
crystalline plug
• x2 separate needles in • The diluent in the pre-
secondary packaging filled syringe is a clear
colourless liquid
• When mixed together,
Zostavax should appear
as a semi-hazy to
translucent, off white to
pale yellow liquid
Administration of Zostavax®-
reconstitution instructions
• The vaccine comes as a vial and pre-filled syringe for
reconstitution. Separate needles should be used for the
reconstitution and administration of the vaccine
• To reconstitute the vaccine, inject all the solvent in the pre-filled
syringe into the vial of vaccine and gently agitate to mix thoroughly
• Withdraw the entire contents into a syringe for injection
• Two separate needles are available with the pre-filled syringe
• The needle should be pushed into the extremity of the syringe and
rotated a quarter of a turn (90°) to secure the connection
• It is recommended that the vaccine be administered immediately
after reconstitution
• Do not use the reconstituted vaccine if you notice any particulate
matter
(Sanofi Pasteur MSD SPC, 2013)
Administration of Zostavax®
Contraindications
The vaccine should not be given to a person who:
• has primary or acquired immunodeficiency state due to conditions
such as: acute and chronic leukaemias; lymphoma; other conditions
affecting the bone marrow or lymphatic system;
immunosuppression due to disease or treatment
• is receiving immunosuppressive therapy (including high-dose
corticosteroids); has an active untreated TB infection
• is pregnant
• has had a confirmed anaphylactic reaction to a previous dose of
varicella vaccine
• has had a confirmed anaphylactic reaction to any component of the
vaccine, including neomycin or gelatin
Contraindications and Precautions
Precautions
• Acute illness- defer immunisation until recovered
• Immunosuppressed patients who require protection against
shingles should seek advice from a specialist
• Transmission of vaccine virus may rarely occur between
recently vaccinated individuals and susceptible contacts
• Ideally Zostavax should be delayed until therapy with anti-viral
drugs are completed
• Delay giving vaccine to someone recovering from shingles
• Therapy with low-doses methotrexate , azathioprine etc for
treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is not a contraindication
Possible adverse reactions