David,

This is especially for you. BTW, Happy Birthday and I know you're over 60.

When Zostavax first came out it was not being given to anyone that had shingles already. That has changed and is now being given as noted in Christine's link. (Great link, Christine).

As of now, in order to get vaccinated, you must be over 60 years of age and have had chicken pox. I doubt that any doctor will give it to anyone that is less than 60, but if they do, it is considered to be off label use. The reason for the age restriction is because that is the age group that was used in the study.

I highly recommend that anyone that meets the criteria and has none of the reasons not to get it, make an appointment with your doctor ASAP.

If you've ever known anyone whose shingles pain didn't go away, you would know why I feel so strongly about it. One of the dentists in my practice has been in pain since the end of 2005 from his shingles and has tried any and every known option to get rid of it. Needless, to say, I and my wife both got the vaccine. I have recommended it to everyone I know over 60. There have been no side effects as far as I know and not even a local reaction at the injection site.

Jerry