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Important: VAERS reports alone cannot determine if a vaccine caused an adverse event. Reports may contain incomplete, inaccurate, or unverified information. Correlation does not equal causation.

Zoster Live (Zostavax)2023

Zoster Live (Zostavax) in 2023

8,908 adverse event reports (-7% vs 2022)

8,908

Reports

Deaths

211

Hospitalizations

460

ER Visits

Disabilities

← 2022 (9,544 reports)2024 (6,298 reports) →

2023 Reporting Summary

In 2023, 8,908 adverse event reports were filed for Zoster Live (Zostavax) in VAERS. This represents 6.3% of all 140,312 reports for this vaccine.

Of these reports, 26 mentioned death, 211 involved hospitalization, 460 required ER visits, and 91 reported disability.

Compared to the average of 6,673 reports per year for this vaccine, 2023 was above average (+33%).

💡 What This Means

In 2023, reporting for Zoster Live (Zostavax) was within typical ranges. As always, VAERS data reflects reports filed, not confirmed adverse events. Trends should be interpreted alongside vaccination volume and population health data.

All Years for Zoster Live (Zostavax)

Year	Reports	Deaths	Hosp.
2025	6,468	23	128
2024	6,298	19	159
2023 ← current	8,908	26	211
2022	9,544	45	207
2021	14,538	52	259
2020	13,066	19	709
2019	18,930	35	790
2018	19,133	32	910
2017	3,900	18	53
2016	4,082	10	67
2015	4,455	6	74
2014	4,957	9	112
2013	5,309	15	119
2012	4,013	12	105
2011	2,165	3	61
2010	973	10	46
2009	1,962	16	79
2008	2,281	10	77
2007	2,287	13	90
2006	191	0	4

Understanding Yearly Data

•Spikes may reflect awareness: Years with unusual activity (e.g., pandemic) often see increased reporting.

•Dose volume matters: More vaccinations given in a year naturally leads to more reports.

•Reporting lag: Some events are reported months after they occur, so recent years may be incomplete.

Quick Facts

Reports:8,908

Deaths:26

Hospitalizations:211

% of Total:6.3%

Rank (by vol.):#6 of 20 years

Avg/year:6,673

Zoster Live (Zostavax) Overview ← 2022 Reports 2024 Reports →35 Years of Reporting Compare Vaccines

Data Source

This data comes from the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), jointly managed by CDC and FDA.