During preventive care visits, which vaccine is indicated for older adults to prevent shingles?

The live attenuated zoster vaccine is indicated for older adults to prevent shingles, a condition caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox. As individuals age, their immune system typically weakens, increasing the risk of experiencing shingles. The live attenuated zoster vaccine helps boost the immune response to this virus, thereby reducing the risk of developing shingles and its associated complications, such as postherpetic neuralgia.

This vaccine is specifically recommended for adults aged 50 and older, making it a crucial part of preventive healthcare in this age group. Unlike the influenza or pneumococcal vaccines, which target respiratory infections, the zoster vaccine specifically focuses on preventing a viral reactivation. The Tdap vaccine, which protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, does not address the risk of shingles at all. Therefore, the live attenuated zoster vaccine is the appropriate choice for preventing shingles in older adults.