Herpes zoster is a local manifestation of recurrent, recrudescent or reactivation infection with the same virus.
Vaccination is now available for the varicella virus.
Varivax is a live, attenuated vaccine approved by the FDA for vaccination against chickenpox. The vaccine safely and effectively reduces the incidence and severity of natural varicella. It has been useful following known exposure, and has some efficacy in adults. The dosage for adults receiving the vaccine is 2 injections in the upper arm given 4 to 8 weeks apart. Varicella and MMR have been successfully given at the same time at different injection sites or combined.