Which statement about herpes zoster vaccination is true?

• A. The zoster vaccine is recommended for adults 60 years or older.
• B. It is routinely given to children.
• C. It is a treatment for shingles after onset.
• D. It is an antibiotic.

Answer: (D)

Herpes zoster vaccination is a preventive measure, not a treatment. It works by priming the immune system to reduce the risk of developing shingles and its complications, such as nerve pain, after age-related immune decline. It is not an antibiotic and it is not used to treat shingles after it starts. Vaccination is not routinely given to children; it’s targeted to adults. Traditionally, the older shingles vaccine is recommended for adults aged 60 and older, and the newer vaccine is approved for adults starting at age 50 with a two-dose schedule. So the statement aligning with typical clinical guidance is that vaccination is recommended for adults 60 years or older (at least for the older vaccine), with newer guidelines expanding the start age to 50+ for the updated vaccine.