Table 1.

Pros and cons for Zostervax^®, herpes zoster/subunit vaccine (HZ/su) and V212 vaccines

Vaccine	Pros	Cons
Live, attenuated vaccine Zostavax®	• Boosts both cellular and humoral immune responses	• Contraindicated for people with weakened immune systems • Potential for shedding and therefore transmission to people with weakened immune system • Vaccine needs to stay frozen in order to remain potent • Immunity and efficacy wane with increasing age and with time since vaccination
Subunit vaccine HZ/su	• Only contains one viral protein, making it safe for immune‐deficient people and pregnant women	• Requires 2 doses • High incidence of adverse events due to the potency of the adjuvant
Heat‐inactivated V212	• Safe for immune‐deficient people and pregnant women • Does not require refrigeration	• Stimulates a weaker immune response than live vaccines • Requires 4 doses, making compliance an issue