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Answer 5
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Live attenuated virus.
The herpes zoster vaccine is formulated from a live attenuated virus. The vaccine induces both antibody- and cell-mediated immune responses. Because the vaccine is comprised of live virus, its use is contraindicated in patients who are immunocompromised, such as patients with malignant neoplasms or HIV infection or patients on high-dose corticosteroid therapy.4 Adverse reactions from the herpes zoster vaccine include injection site erythema, pain, swelling, and pruritus. Examples of vaccines made from toxoids, inactivated viruses, and polysaccharides include the tetanus vaccine, the polio vaccine, and the meningococcal vaccine, respectively.
REFERENCE
4. Zimmerman RK, Middleton DB, Burns IT, et al. Routine vaccines across the life span, 2007. J Fam Pract 2007;56:S18-37.
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