Zostavax Storage and Handling
This page was archived upon the discontinuation of the sale and use of Zostavax in the United States, effective November 18, 2020. The information below is for historical record and use only.
A new shingles vaccine called Shingrix was licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017. CDC recommends that healthy adults 50 years and older get two doses of Shingrix, 2 to 6 months apart. Shingrix provides strong protection against shingles and PHN. Shingrix is the preferred vaccine, over Zostavax.
Proper vaccine storage and handling practices play a very important role in protecting individuals and communities from vaccine-preventable diseases.
Zostavax (zoster vaccine live) must be kept at freezing temperatures, below are links to two documents that outline temperature and storage best practices for frozen vaccines.
- Vaccine Temperature Best Practices for Frozen Vaccines—Fahrenheit (F) [2 pages]
- Vaccine Storage Best Practices for Frozen Vaccines—Fahrenheit (F) [2 pages]
Vaccine Storage and Handling
The Vaccine Storage and Handling Toolkit is a comprehensive resource for providers on vaccine storage and handling recommendations and best practice strategies. It includes considerations for equipment both storage units and temperature monitoring devices, strategies for maintaining the cold chain, routine storage and handling practices, inventory management and emergency procedures for protecting vaccine inventories.
Also see Vaccine Storage and Handling Recommendations and Guidelines.