Adults aged 50–59 years are not routinely recommended to receive Zostavax vaccine, but they can receive it if they want to reduce their risk of herpes zoster
Zostavax is not routinely recommended for adults aged 50–59 years.
The incidence of herpes zoster in people aged 50–59 years is higher than people aged <50 years,4,7 and Zostavax is efficacious in this age group.8 However, the likelihood of developing herpes zoster, post-herpetic neuralgia and other complications of herpes zoster is lower in this age group than in people ≥60 years of age.9,10
People aged 50–59 years who want to reduce their risk of herpes zoster can receive Zostavax. However, the exact duration of vaccine efficacy is not known. Protection after a single vaccine dose wanes over time.2,3 The need for revaccination is not yet determined.
Please refer to the ATAGI clinical statement on the clinical use of Zoster vaccine in Australia.
See Vaccine information and Epidemiology.
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Printed content may be out of date. For up to date information, always refer to the digital version: https://immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au/recommendations/adults-aged-50-59-years-are-not-routinely-recommended-to-receive-zostavax-vaccine.