Which statement about the Zostavax vaccine is true?

Which statement about the Zostavax vaccine is true?

• A. It is a two-dose series for all adults
• B. It is not associated with any allergy precautions
• C. It is a live attenuated vaccine
• D. It is contraindicated in all pregnant individuals

Answer: (C)

Zostavax is a live attenuated vaccine. It uses a weakened form of the varicella-zoster virus to stimulate immunity, which is why it’s given as a single-dose vaccine for shingles prevention in older adults. The live nature explains why there are important precautions: it’s not given to pregnant people or certain immunocompromised individuals, and people with severe allergic reactions to any vaccine component may need to avoid it. Because it is a single-dose, not a two-dose series, and because there are allergy and contraindication considerations tied to live vaccines, the statement about its being a live attenuated vaccine best captures the defining characteristic.

Zostavax is a live attenuated vaccine. It uses a weakened form of the varicella-zoster virus to stimulate immunity, which is why it’s given as a single-dose vaccine for shingles prevention in older adults. The live nature explains why there are important precautions: it’s not given to pregnant people or certain immunocompromised individuals, and people with severe allergic reactions to any vaccine component may need to avoid it. Because it is a single-dose, not a two-dose series, and because there are allergy and contraindication considerations tied to live vaccines, the statement about its being a live attenuated vaccine best captures the defining characteristic.