Patients who have suffered from Zostavax side effects wonder how long they will have to endure these consequences, which can range from mild to severe.

Zostavax was the first vaccine designed to protect against shingles, but it has since become the subject of reports of unexpected side effects.

What Is Zostavax?

Zostavax is the shingles vaccine that consists of a live herpes zoster (shingles) virus.

It is a single dose injection made by pharmaceutical company Merck & Co. Inc. The vaccine protects against shingles for about six years at most, though it is reportedly effective in only about 50% of cases.

Who Receives Zostavax?

The vaccine was recommended for adults age 50 and older who had previously had the chicken pox (the typical group at risk for developing shingles). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended that adults age 60 and over get either Zostavax or Shingrix, another shingles vaccine.

However, the CDC has noted that Zostavax is no longer being sold in the U.S. beginning July 1, 2020, though certain pharmacies or clinics may still have the vaccine in stock, and it is safe to use prior to expiration by Nov. 18, 2020.

Why Are Chicken Pox and Shingles Related?

Chicken pox is a viral infection caused by the varicella zoster virus. When a person has chicken pox, an itchy rash with small fluid-filled blisters covers the skin for five to 10 days. After the rash goes away, the virus lies dormant in the nerve cells. Stress and age can reactivate the virus, which then reappears as shingles.

What Is Postherpetic Neuralgia?

Postherpetic neuralgia is a complication suffered by some people who have had shingles. Damaged nerves cause chronic, severe pain that may last months or years after the shingles blisters have healed. The American Academy of Family Physicians estimates 20% of patients with shingles will develop postherpetic neuralgia.

What Are Potential Zostavax Side Effects?

Some patients have filed lawsuits alleging Zostavax caused them to develop a more virulent strain of shingles than if they not received the vaccine, which is known to reduce the risk of shingles by only 51%.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), other side effects may include redness, pain or itching at the injection site or a headache. 

The FDA has also received reports of patients suffering the following Zostavax side effects:

• A dangerous allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, which can include trouble breathing or swallowing
• Dizziness
• Irregular heartbeat
• Rapid pulse
• Chicken pox
• Fever
• Hives at the site of injection
• Joint pain
• Muscle pain
• Nausea
• Rash
• Swollen glands near injection site for days or even weeks
• Guillian-Barre Syndrome, which includes weakness, abnormal sensations, tingling in the arms, legs and upper body
• Loss of facial muscle movements

Other serious reported side effects that have reportedly occurred within six months of receiving the Zostavax vaccine include vision loss, Bell’s palsy, encephalitis, and death.

The FDA has issued a black box warning over the risk of vision damage from eye inflammation.

How Many People Have Suffered Zostavax Injuries?

The FDA tracks serious complications that are reported to its Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). The database shows there have been 128 deaths, 850 hospitalizations, and 660 disabilities all attributed to Zostavax.

Is Zostavax the Same Thing as Shingrix?

No. Shingrix is the new shingles vaccine that does not contain the live virus. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Shingrix is recommended over Zostavax because Shingrix is up to 90% effective at preventing shingles and postherpetic neuralgia. Shingrix is administered in two doses several months apart.

What Are the Chances I Will Ever Get Shingles?

Experts say about one in three adults in the U.S. will suffer shingles at some point in their lives, and most severe cases affect those age 60 and older.

Filing a Zostavax Lawsuit

More and more people are coming forward and filing lawsuits against Merck over Zostavax complications, alleging that the manufacture failed to adequately warn patients and the medical community alike about the risks associated with its vaccine, including the potential for developing shingles. Indeed, dozens of lawsuits have already been filed against Merck, along with its parent company, Bayer AG.

If you or someone you love has suffered from Zostavax side effects, you may be able to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation. Of course, filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering caused by these complications, but it can at least help to alleviate the financial burden incurred by medical expenses, lost wages, and more.

Filing a lawsuit can be a daunting prospect, so Top Class Actions has laid the groundwork for you by connecting you with an experienced attorney. Consulting an attorney can help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the complexities of litigation, and maximize your potential compensation.