Zoster Vaccine, Recombinant Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 15, 2025.

Applies to zoster vaccine, recombinant: intramuscular suspension.

Precautions

It is important that your doctor check your progress to make sure this medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects.

This vaccine may increase the risk for nervous system problems, including Guillain-Barré syndrome. Check with your doctor right away if you have sudden numbness and weakness in the arms and legs or inability to move the arms and legs.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements. Tell your doctor if you are receiving inactivated influenza vaccine.

Other side effects

Some side effects of zoster vaccine, recombinant may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, zoster vaccine, recombinant may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking zoster vaccine, recombinant:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to zoster vaccine, recombinant: intramuscular powder for injection.

Local adverse events

• Very common (10% or more): Local pain (88.4%), local redness (38.7%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Injection site pruritus^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Fatigue (57%), shivering (35.8%), fever (27.8%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Malaise
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Death^[Ref]

Deaths were reported for 0.8% of patients in the treatment group during the first year after vaccination versus 0.9% of placebo patients. Causes of death were consistent with those generally reported in adult and elderly populations.^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (50.6%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Gastrointestinal symptoms (24.3%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Nausea^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Gout (including gouty arthritis)^[Ref]

Ocular

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Optic ischemic neuropathy^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Very rare (less than 0.01%): Lymphadenitis^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Very common (10% or more): Myalgia (56.9%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Chills, arthralgia^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

Zoster vaccine, recombinant side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer