The Zostavax vaccine helps protect against shingles, a painful infection caused by herpes zoster, the same virus that causes chickenpox.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers these guidelines for getting the shingles vaccine:
Who should get the vaccine:
- Anyone who is 60 or older, whether or not they can recall having had chickenpox as a child. Researchers have found that more than 99 percent of Americans 40 and older have had chickenpox, even if they don't remember being sick.
Who should NOT get the vaccine:
- Anyone who has ever had a serious reaction to gelatin, the antibiotic neomycin, or any other ingredient in the shingles vaccine. Speak with your doctor if you have any severe allergies.
- Anyone with a weakened immune system should speak with their doctor before getting the vaccine.
- Anyone taking immune-suppressing drugs or undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy for cancer.
- Any woman who is pregnant or could be pregnant.
Health Tip: If You Have Severe Morning Sickness
Morning sickness is an unpleasant, yet common side effect of pregnancy. When episodes of nausea and vomiting become severe, it's time to call the doctor.
The Nemours Foundation mentions these warning signs that morning sickness should be evaluated by a physician:
- Having nausea that is so persistent that you cannot eat or drink anything.
- Vomiting to the point where food doesn't stay in the stomach.
- Vomiting blood.
- Fainting, feeling dizzy or losing weight.
- Urinating less frequently and having frequent headaches.
- Having a rapid heartbeat.
- Feeling extremely confused or fatigued.
- Noticing a bad, fruity odor to the breath or body.
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