Zostavax, a vaccine created by the drug company Merck, is a FDA approved vaccine to protect the human body against Shingles (Varicella-Zoster).

The vaccine itself is a composite of the dormant, but live, version of the Varicella-Zoster virus, which in theory is enough to train the human immune system to fight it, but never to actually develop Shingles.

This vaccine, which is approved for people age 50 and over, is oftentimes an expensive investment depending on one's health insurance plan.

In many cases, people who received the Zostavax vaccine will end up developing Shingles anyway - often within the first six months.

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Add to that the complications that can result from Shingles including stroke, heart issues and other life threatening conditions.

 

Learn more about the side effects and damage Zostavax can cause here.