Age: 63.0
Sex: F
Vaccine: VARZOS
Symptoms: Blister, Discomfort, Emotional distress, Herpes zoster, Injury
Clinical narrative: Information has been received on 18-APR-2017 from an attorney in the form of an initial legal complaint regarding a female consumer (age not reported) who on or about 05-MAY-2014 (date as reported) was inoculated with the ZOSTAVAX (dose, route of administration, site of administration, lot number, expiration date were not reported) as a suggested health maintenance measure at a pharmacy. Prior to receiving ZOSTAVAX, the patient had never suffered from or been diagnosed with Herpes Zoster, or any other ailment collectively referred to as "shingles." On or about 28-APR-2016 (Date as reported), the patient went to her primary care healthcare facility, where she was treated by a certified physician assistant (PA) for complaints of painful vesicular regions spreading across her back.  The blisters were diagnosed as Herpes Zoster, also known as the shingles virus.  The patient was prescribed valacyclovir and prednisone to curb the symptoms and discomfort.  On or about 13-MAY-2016, the patient was treated again by the PA for continued breakouts of shingles vesicles.  The patient was identified to have a severe and ongoing outbreak of Herpes Zoster.  She was prescribed valacyclovir hydrochloride (VALTREX) to prevent further spread of the virus.  On or about 24-MAY-2016, the patient returned for a follow-up with the PA for her persistent shingles.  Medical records from this encounter depict residual scabbing and scarring from the outbreaks, causing unbearable and persistent pain.  The patient was then diagnosed with post-herpetic neuralgia, a painful, chronic condition that causes nerve damage as a residual effect of shingles outbreaks. The patient was prescribed gabapentin and oxycodone and acetaminophen (PERCOCET) to manage her chronic symptoms.  On or about 04-OCT-2016, the patient was treated again by the PA for residual pain in the nerve endings at the site of her previous shingles.  Her diagnosis was reaffirmed as post-herpetic neuralgia and she was prescribed additional gabapentin and oxycodone and acetaminophen (PERCOCET) for the condition. The patient continues to suffer chronic nerve pain as the result of post-herpetic neuralgia.  She continues to endure permanent scarring at the sites of prior shingles breakouts and the constant apprehension of future Herpes Zoster outbreaks. The patient must maintain a regiment of prescription medications for nerve pain management for her chronic condition and valacyclovir hydrochloride (VALTREX) anti-viral medication as preventative treatment for the Herpes Zoster virus.  As a direct result of the vaccine, the patient suffered, is suffering and/or will continue to suffer from mental and emotional distress due to resulting physical limitations and seriousness of her condition. The patient sustained severe and permanent personal injuries. Furthermore the patient suffered serious, progressive, permanent and incurable injuries as well as significant conscious pain and suffering, mental anguish, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, physical impairment and injury, medical expenses and other economic harm. The events of Herpes Zoster/Severe and ongoing outbreak of Herpes Zoster/Residual scabbing/scarring from the outbreaks/Permanent scarring, Post-herpetic neuralgia, and emotional distress were considered disabling. Additional information has been requested.