What vaccine is recommended for the prevention of herpes zoster?

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The Varicella vaccine, also known as Varivax, is specifically designed to prevent varicella (chickenpox) infection, which is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. This virus can remain dormant in the body after the initial chickenpox infection and may reactivate later in life, leading to herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles.

Vaccination with the varicella vaccine during childhood helps prevent chickenpox, thereby reducing the risk of shingles in older adults. While herpes zoster does not have a dedicated vaccine within the choices provided, the Varicella vaccine is directly linked to the prevention of herpes zoster through its role in preventing the initial varicella infection.

Other options such as the MMR vaccine and the influenza vaccine do not provide any protection against herpes zoster, as they target different pathogens—measles, mumps, and rubella for MMR, and various strains of influenza for the flu vaccine. The mention of an ADHD vaccine is also incorrect, as there is currently no vaccine for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Thus, the Varicella vaccine is the relevant immunization for preventing herpes zoster.

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