About The Study:
The varicella-zoster virus is also known as the herpes virus. If it is infected in humans, it can cause chickenpox and shingles. It is a very contagious virus that can also remain in the body until it becomes active again. When it becomes active again it is known as the herpes zoster virus which usually affects people when they are older and this results in shingles. Shingles can be very painful and is usually a rash with blisters that occurs on the face and body.
Shingles can also lead to complications such as hearing loss, facial paralysis, problems with hearing and balance, vision loss, and skin infections. You can’t get shingles when you are older unless you had chickenpox before. Chickenpox and shingles can both be prevented by vaccines.
The chickenpox vaccine became mandatory in the United States in 1995 and because it was not around before then, a lot of people over the age of 30 were not vaccinated against it. The chickenpox vaccine is given to children when they are between 12-15 months of age and then again between 4-6 years old. Many adults receive the shingles vaccine when they are around 50 years old.
Purpose of study
The purpose of this study is to vaccinate participants between the ages of 50-69 who have not had any previous vaccinations against varicella, including chickenpox or shingles vaccines. This study is evaluating the safety, tolerability, and immune system response of a varicella vaccine, given at two different dose levels, in healthy individuals.
The study could last approximately 8-12 months or up to 5 years long and includes 10-15 office visits. Reimbursement to participate in this study is $128 per visit and $5 for every completed diary entry.
Qualifications
- Males and females between the ages of 50-69 years old
- No history of heart disease
- No history of shingles
- No previous vaccination with varicella (chicken pox or shingles)
- *Please note, that other conditions may apply