Let's take a minute to talk about your medication.  

This is a Zostavax vaccine. It boosts your immune system to protect you from getting 'shingles'. 

Shingles is a painful rash. It often lasts for a few weeks, but sometimes it can lead to more serious health problems. Shingles is caused from the same virus that causes chicken pox. After having chicken pox, the virus stays silently in your body for decades. As you age, the virus can reappear and cause shingles.    

This vaccine is given as a single dose. It is given as a shot with a very small needle, usually in the upper arm. 

Most people tolerate this vaccine well. Common side effects include a headache, and reactions at the injection site, like soreness, redness or swelling. These effects are normal if they are mild, and should go away. If you are concerned about these or other side effects, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

As with any vaccine, very rare but more serious side effects could occur, like an allergic reaction. Signs can include hives, swelling in the face and throat, problems breathing, and dizziness. Get medical help right away if you notice these or any changes that concern you, like a very high fever or unusual behavior. 

For best results with this vaccine, be sure to get it sooner rather than later, so it can start protecting you. Also, be sure to read the Vaccine Information Sheet for more information.