There are two herpes zoster (shingles) vaccines. The newer herpes zoster vaccine is preferred over the older herpes zoster vaccine because it provides better and longer-lasting protection.
The newer vaccine contains only noninfective pieces of the virus (called a recombinant vaccine). There is no live virus in this vaccine.
The older vaccine contains live but weakened virus (called a live-attenuated vaccine). It is no longer available for use in the United States.
These vaccines help reduce the risk of shingles Shingles Shingles is a painful skin rash caused by a viral infection that results from reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the virus that causes chickenpox. What causes the virus to reactive... read more 
and the severe residual pain it can cause (postherpetic neuralgia Postherpetic Neuralgia Postherpetic neuralgia is chronic pain in areas of skin supplied by nerves infected with herpes zoster ( shingles). Shingles is a painful rash of fluid-filled blisters that is caused by reactivation... read more ).
For more information, see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Recombinant shingles vaccine information statement and the Live shingles vaccine information statement.
(See also Overview of Immunization Overview of Immunization Immunization (vaccination) helps the body defend itself against diseases caused by certain bacteria or viruses. Immunity (the ability of the body to defend itself against diseases caused by... read more .)
The herpes zoster virus is the same virus that causes chickenpox Chickenpox Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral infection with the varicella-zoster virus that causes a characteristic itchy rash, consisting of small, raised, blistered, or crusted spots. Chickenpox... read more 
. After chickenpox resolves, the virus remains in the body. It can be reactivated years later and cause shingles, which is a painful rash, usually on only one part of the body. The rash resolves after several weeks, but postherpetic neuralgia, which causes severe chronic pain, can last for months or years. Herpes zoster can also cause other problems due to malfunction of the nervous system (such as problems with vision, hearing, or balance).
Administration of Shingles Vaccine
The newer recombinant herpes zoster vaccine is given in two doses, injected into a muscle. The doses are given 2 to 6 months apart and at least 2 months after the live-attenuated herpes zoster vaccine was given.
The recombinant vaccine is recommended for people aged 50 and over whether or not they have ever had shingles or have been given the live-attenuated vaccine. This vaccine is also recommended for people aged 19 and older who have or will have a weakened immune system because of a disease or treatment for a disease.
Certain conditions may affect whether and when people are vaccinated (see also CDC: Who Should NOT Get Vaccinated With These Vaccines?). If people have a temporary illness, doctors usually wait to give the vaccine until the illness resolves.
Side Effects of Shingles Vaccine
The most common side effects of the recombinant vaccine are pain, soreness, redness, and swelling at the injection site and headache, fatigue, muscle pain, shivering, fever, and digestive upset.
The most common side effects of the live-attenuated vaccine are soreness, redness, swelling, and itching at the injection site and headache.
More Information
The following English-language resources may be useful. Please note that THE MANUAL is not responsible for the content of these resources.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Information statement about recombinant shingles vaccine
CDC: Information statement about live-attenuated shingles vaccine
CDC: Information about people who should NOT get vaccinated with recombinant or live shingles vaccine
