An older adult patient tells the nurse that she had chicken pox as a child and is eager to be vaccinated against shingles. What should the nurse teach the patient about this vaccine?

(A) Vaccination against shingles is contraindicated in patients over the age of 80. (B) Vaccination can reduce her risk of shingles by approximately 50%. (C) Vaccination against shingles involves a series of three injections over the course of 6 months. (D) Vaccination against shingles is only effective if preceded by a childhood varicella vaccination.Answer Explanation: Zostavax, a vaccine to reduce the risk of shingles, is recommended for people older than 60 years of age because it reduces the risk of shingles by approximately 50%. It does not need to be preceded by childhood varicella vaccine. The vaccine consists of a single injection.