What type of vaccine is the shingles vaccine considered?

The shingles vaccine, specifically the live attenuated version known as Zoster vaccine live (Zostavax), is classified as a live attenuated vaccine. This means that it contains a weakened form of the virus that causes shingles (varicella-zoster virus) which stimulates an immune response without causing the disease in healthy individuals. The use of a live virus allows for a more robust immune response compared to inactivated or subunit vaccines, as it closely mimics a natural infection.

In contrast, an inactivated vaccine contains viruses or bacteria that have been killed or inactivated so they cannot cause disease. This type of vaccine often elicits a weaker immune response compared to live attenuated vaccines. Subunit vaccines consist of purified pieces of the pathogen, which don't contain live components, and thus require additional adjuvants to enhance the immune response. Toxoid vaccines are used for toxins produced by pathogens rather than the pathogens themselves. Each of these alternatives does not provide the same level of immunity or protection as the live attenuated shingles vaccine does.