Is Zostavax right for everyone?
No. You should not get the shingles vaccine if you’ve ever had a serious allergic reaction to gelatin or the antibiotic neomycin. You should also avoid the vaccine if you have HIV/AIDS or another condition that weakens the immune system. Do not get the shingles vaccine if you’re receiving treatment with drugs such as steroids, or radiation or chemotherapy for cancer. Those with a history of cancer affecting the bone marrow or lymphatic system such as leukemia or lymphoma, or active, untreated tuberculosis should also avoid Zostavax. Women who are pregnant should not have the vaccine, and women who plan to conceive should wait three months after receiving Zostavax before becoming pregnant. Ask your physician for guidance. Answers provided by Susan Rehm, MD, Vice Chair of the Department of Infectious Disease and Executive Director of Physician Health. For an appointment with an internal medicine or family medicine specialist at Cleveland Clinic’s main campus or any of its family health c
