Merck's new vaccine Zostavax [Zoster Vaccine Live (Oka/Merck)] for prevention of herpes zoster (shingles) in individuals 60 years of age and older.

Merck Shingles Vaccine Zostavax

Zostavax is the first and only medical option approved by the FDA for the prevention of shingles. Shingles is a often painful disease marked by a blistering rash. Caused by the reactivation of the virus that causes chickenpox, shingles may lead to severe complications including long-term nerve pain (postherpetic neuralgia), which may last for months or even years. Zostavax is not used for the treatment of shingles or postherpetic neuralgia. Zostavax is an injection given as a single dose.

Merck Zostavax

Merck Zostavax is unique because in contrast to other vaccines that help prevent a primary infection, Zostavax helps to prevent reactivation of a virus that's already inside the body." Vaccination with a live, attenuated vaccine, such as Zostavax, may result in a more extensive vaccine-associated rash or disseminated disease in individuals who are immunosuppressed. Safety and efficacy of Zostavax have not been evaluated in individuals on immunosuppressive therapy, or in individuals receiving daily topical or inhaled corticosteroids or low-dose oral corticosteroids. The use of Zostavax in people with a previous history of shingles has not been studied.

Code CPT Zostavax

The American Medical Association has established the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code "CPT 90736 Zoster vaccine, live, for subcutaneous use" for Zostavax. CPT codes enable the identification and potential reimbursement of existing common procedures, services and products, new and emerging technologies as well as the collection of data to facilitate performance issues.