Other resources for health professionals about using zoster vaccines include: Defer vaccination until advice and results have been obtained. Assessment before vaccination can include consulting a medical specialist and screening for pre-existing antibody to VZV. A screening checklist to identify patient contraindications prior to vaccination is available in the Australian Immunisation Handbook. Assessing for immunocompromiseĪssessing immunocompromise can be complex. The risk of disseminated VZV infection with vaccine (Oka) strain increases with the degree of immunosuppression. Zostavax is contraindicated in patients with current or recent severe immunocompromising conditions from either a primary or acquired medical condition or medical treatment.įatalities due to disseminated disease with vaccine (Oka) strain VZV have followed administration of Zostavax to immunocompromised patients. DO NOT administer Zostavax if the immune status of the patient is unclear. Zostavax is a live, attenuated varicella zoster virus (VZV) vaccine used to prevent shingles in patients aged 50 years and older, and prevention of nerve pain associated with the virus in patients aged 60 years and older.Īll patients for whom Zostavax is considered should be assessed for immunocompromise prior to vaccination. This is a reminder that careful assessment and screening for immunocompromise is essential before administration of Zostavax, with resources to assist in the process. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has published previous safety advice about avoiding the use of Zostavax vaccine in immunocompromised patients but continues to receive reports of such cases.
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