What type of medication is Zostavax?

Zostavax is a live attenuated vaccine that is specifically designed to prevent shingles, which is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus. This vaccine is typically administered to older adults, particularly those over the age of 50, as they are at a higher risk of developing shingles and its associated complications.

By stimulating the immune system to recognize and fight the varicella-zoster virus, Zostavax helps reduce the incidence of shingles and, importantly, can also mitigate the severity of symptoms if shingles does occur. This makes it a preventive measure rather than a treatment, which sets it apart from options like antibiotics or pain relievers that are used to treat infections or manage symptoms, respectively. Blood thinners, on the other hand, are used to prevent blood clots and are unrelated to the prevention of viral infections. The unique purpose and function of Zostavax in the context of immunization highlight its classification as a shingles vaccine.