Zostavax was approved by the FDA on May 25 for the prevention of shingles in individuals 60 years of age and older and is given by a single dose by injection.
“Zostavax is the only medical option approved for the prevention of shingles and represents a major public health advance for people age 60 and older,” said Mark Feinberg, vice president of Policy, Public Health and Medical Affairs, Merck Vaccines.
The recommendation has the potential to boost insurance coverage for the vaccine, making it more accessible to older people.
Recommendations by the advisory committee do not result in requirements for vaccine coverage by insurers however private insurers typically follow the committee's guidance. The advisory committee also considered additional recommendations pertaining to specific uses of the vaccine.
Anyone who has been infected with chickenpox is at risk from developing shingles. In the US, 90% of the population has been infected by chickenpox.
Clinical trials have shown Zostavax reduces the risk of developing shingles by 51%.