Who should not receive the herpes zoster vaccine?

The herpes zoster vaccine, particularly the live attenuated vaccine, is contraindicated for individuals who have previously received the live zoster vaccine. This is primarily due to the nature of live vaccines, which can pose a risk to individuals who are immunocompromised or those who have had adverse reactions to a similar vaccine.

Individuals who previously had varicella (chickenpox) are actually encouraged to receive the herpes zoster vaccine, as the vaccine helps to reduce the risk of developing shingles later in life. Additionally, individuals over 50 years old are often recommended to receive the vaccine, as the risk for herpes zoster and its complications increases with age.

The guidance to avoid vaccination in individuals who have already received the live zoster vaccine is based on the principle of not repeatedly exposing the immune system to live attenuated pathogens, thus minimizing potential health risks. Therefore, the correct understanding of who should not receive the herpes zoster vaccine aligns with the information provided regarding previous vaccination history.