If you've ever had chickenpox, you could get Shingles now. Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. Once you have had chickenpox, the virus stays in your body and can resurface as Shingle;;—a painful, blistering rash. The Shingles rash usually lasts up to 30 days, and for most the pain lessens as the rash heals. But some people who develop Shingles experience long-term nerve pain that can last for months, even years. And your chances of developing Shingles increase substantially after age 60. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the CDC recommends that appropriate adults 60 years of age and older be vaccinated with ZOSTAVAX to help prevent Shingles. ZOSTAVAX helps your immune system reduce your risk for Shingles. ZOSTAVAX is given as a single shot. The vaccine contains a weakened chickenpox virus and works by helping your immune system protect you from getting Shingles. FDA-approved ZOSTAVAX (pronounced "ZOS-tah-vax") is a vaccine that can help prevent Shingles in adults 60 years of age or older. ZOSTAVAX works best against Shingles if you get vaccinated while you are in your sixties. In fact, once you reach age 60, the sooner you get vaccinated, the better your chances of protecting yourself. Only your doctor can decide if ZOSTAVAX is right for you. ZOSTAVAX cannot be used to treat Shingles, or the nerve pain that may follow Shingles, once you have it. Important Safety Information • ZOSTAVAX may not protect everyone who gets the vaccine. • You should not get ZOSTAVAX if you are allergic to any of its ingredients, including gelatin or neomycin, have a weakened immune system, take high doses of steroids, or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. • ZOSTAVAX should not be given at the same time as PNEUMOVAX®23 (Pneumococcal Vaccine Polyvalent). • You should not get ZOSTAVAX to prevent chickenpox. Children should not get ZOSTAVAX. if you do get Shingles even though you have been vaccinated, ZOSTAVAX may help prevent the long-term nerve pain that can follow Shingles in some people. ZOSTAVAX cannot be used to treat Shingles, or the nerve pain that may follow Shingles, once you have it. ZOSTAVAX may not protect everyone who gets the vaccine. Possible side effects of ZOSTAVAX. The most common side effects that people in the clinical studies reported after receiving the vaccine include: • Redness, pain, itching, swelling, warmth, or bruising where the shot was given • Headache Tell your doctor or health care provider if you have any new or unusual symptoms after you receive ZOSTAVAX. Important information to share with your doctor or health care provider. Before you get ZOSTAVAX, you should tell your doctor or health care provider if you: • Have or have had any medical problems • Take any medicines, including non-prescription medicines and dietary supplements • Have any allergies, including allergies to gelatin or neomycin • Had an allergic reaction to another vaccine • Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant • Are breast-feeding ZOSTAVAX contains a weakened chickenpox virus. Tell your health care provider if you will be in close contact with newborn infants, someone who may be pregnant and has not had chickenpox or been vaccinated against chickenpox, or someone who has problems with their immune system. Your health care provider can tell you what situations you may need to avoid. If you're 60 years of age or older, talk to your doctor or health care provider about the Shingles vaccine—ZOSTAVAX. 75