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Zostavax TM
You should seek medical advice in relation to medicines and use only as directed by a healthcare professional. Always read the label. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional.
Active ingredients: varicella-zoster live vaccine
Brand name
(ARTG)
: ZOSTAVAX zoster virus vaccine live min 19400 PFU/0.65mL powder for injection vial with pre-filled diluent vialDownload the Consumer Medicine Information Leaflet
Download consumer medicine information leaflet (pdf) from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) website
What this medicine is used for
(ARTG)
ZOSTAVAX is indicated for the prevention of herpes zoster (shingles) in individuals 50 years of age and older. ZOSTAVAX is indicated for the prevention of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) and for reduction of acute and chronic zoster-associated pain in individuals 60 years of age and older.
How to use this medicine
(ARTG)
This medicine is a pack that contains more than one component.
Component :
- Injection, powder for
- Subcutaneous
- White compact, crystalline pellet.
Component :
- Diluent, not applicable
- Subcutaneous
- Clear, colourless solution.
Storage conditions
(ARTG)
- Store at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius
- Shelf lifetime is 18 Months.
Do I need a prescription ?
(ARTG)
These medicine packs are available from a pharmacist and requires a prescription. It is
- 1 vial + 1 diluent vial pack
- 10 vials + 10 diluent vials pack
- 5 vials + 5 diluent vials pack
Pregnant or planning a pregnancy ?
(AHT)
For the active ingredient varicella-zoster live vaccine
You should seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist about taking this medicine. They can help you balance the risks and the benefits of this medicine during pregnancy.
Reporting side effects
You can help ensure medicines are safe by reporting the side effects you experience.
You can report side effects to your doctor, or directly at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems
Need more information?
These trusted information partners have more on this topic.
Top results
Zostavax | Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
Safety advisory - important to screen for immunocompromise and assess before giving Zostavax vaccine
Read more on TGA – Therapeutic Goods Administration website
Zoster (shingles) | NCIRS
Shingrix® has replaced Zostavax® on the National Immunisation Program from 1 November 2023.
Read more on National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) website
Older Adults - Immunisation Coalition
Older adult immunisation rates remain far below optimal levels. Immunisation remains the most effective way to stop the spread of harmful diseases. It is vital older adults keep up to date with their immunisations.
Read more on Immunisation Coalition website
Shingles (herpes zoster) vaccine | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
Information about the shingles vaccine, who it is recommended for, and how and where to get vaccinated. If you're eligible, you can get the shingles vaccine for free under the National Immunisation Program.
Read more on Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care website
Shingles - Better Health Channel
Shingles is caused by the same virus responsible for chickenpox.
Read more on Better Health Channel website
Immunisation for people with medical risk conditions | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
People with specific medical risk conditions may require extra vaccines.
Read more on Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care website
Zoster (herpes zoster) | The Australian Immunisation Handbook
Information about herpes zoster (shingles) disease, vaccines and recommendations for vaccination from the Australian Immunisation Handbook.
Read more on Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care website
Shingles - Immunisation Coalition
Shingles (herpes zoster) is caused by the same virus responsible for chicken pox. The virus can lay dormant in your body before being reactivated later in life to cause shingles.
Read more on Immunisation Coalition website
Immunisation for adults | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
Find out about immunisations for adults.
Read more on Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care website
ACD A-Z of Skin - Shingles
Shingles is a localised, blistering, red and painful rash. It can involve the chest, neck, abdomen, face or ear canal and central nervous system.
Read more on Australasian College of Dermatologists website
Top results
What Causes Shingles (Herpes Zoster)? | Ausmed
Shingles (also known as herpes zoster) is a viral infection caused by a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) that causes chickenpox (varicella). It presents as a painful, blistering rash. After someone has had chickenpox, the virus will stay dormant in the dorsal root ganglia.
Read more on Ausmed Education website
