What is the Zostavax Vaccine?

Shingles—also known as herpes zoster—is a viral infection that affects nerve fibers and skin, causing a painful, itchy, and blistering rash. Specifically, it is caused by the Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox in children and young adults. Shingles occur mostly in people over the age of 50 when the dormant chickenpox virus reactivates in the body.

In order to prevent shingles, the pharmaceutical company Merck & Co. developed the Zostavax vaccine for patients 50 years and older. The vaccine—which was the only FDA-approved shingles vaccine in the U.S. until 2017—is a live form of the virus, meaning it contains a weakened shingles virus that helps boost the body’s immune system and increases the recipient’s ability to fight off the real shingles virus.

Unfortunately, the vaccine may, in fact, be to blame for patients getting shingles. This can lead to serious complications, especially since patients receiving the immunization are older and more susceptible to other injuries like infections, pneumonia, and vision loss.

Zostavax Dangerous Side Effects and Potential Damages

Not only can Zostavax actually cause shingles, which brings with it pain, discomfort, and expensive medical bills, but the vaccine may also cause a wide range of other unwelcome side effects and even serious complications, such as:

  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Blindness and eye disorders
  • Liver failure
  • Brain damage
  • Facial paralysis
  • Hearing loss
  • Lymph node disease
  • Death

Zostavax lawyers have already filed lawsuits against Merck & Co. claiming that the company may have known about the risks involved with the vaccination and intentionally promoted the vaccine based on false and misleading information about its benefits while downplaying its risks. Since Zostavax does not prevent herpes zoster as Merck claims and actually may cause the very condition it is meant to treat, patients filing a lawsuit may be able to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, mental anguish, pain and suffering, and more. You can speak with a Lafayette personal injury lawyer to help you pursue compensation.

Talk to a Louisiana Local Attorney Today

Get a Free Case Evaluation

Eligibility for Filing a Zostavax Lawsuit

To qualify for filing a claim against the makers of Zostavax, patients must have received the vaccine after 2006 and been diagnosed with shingles at least three weeks later. It is also possible for patients to file a lawsuit if they have experienced any of the following injuries up to two years of the date of vaccination:

  • Brain inflammation like encephalitis and meningitis that causes severe headaches, flu-like symptoms, and confusion
  • Nerve disorders such as Herpetic Neuralgia and Guillain-Barre Syndrome
  • Postherpetic neuralgia or burning pain that continues even after shingles blisters have healed
  • Pneumonia
  • Facial paralysis through Bell’s Palsy and/or Ramsay Hunt Syndrome
  • Eye damage, including blindness and cornea inflammation
  • Congestive heart failure

Consider enlisting the assistance of a Zostavax attorney to find out more about eligibility requirements and get started with the legal process.

Client Testimonials Hear from locals like you.

They have good to keep me updated on the case but so far the settlement has not been reached.

L
Lisa S.

Each time I interact with a member of the Laborde Earls team I am always extremely satisfied with the service provided. I had the pleasure of speaking...

Each time I interact with a member of the Laborde Earls team I am always extremely satisfied with the service provided. I had the pleasure of speaking with Mrs. Marsh today. She was extremely knowledgeable in addition to being patient and empathetic. She was able to provide me with the necessary resources and provided me with encouragement throughout the process. I definitely recommend Laborde Earls! Ask for Courtney!

M
Megan C.

Stephanie Brooks was wonderful to work with! She was very professional during our interaction and extremely pleasant throughout the entire process. He...

Stephanie Brooks was wonderful to work with! She was very professional during our interaction and extremely pleasant throughout the entire process. Her kindness and clear communication made everything smooth and easy. Highly recommend working with her and the Laborde Earles Law Firm!

J
Jenifer Leger Dendy

Lafayette

I am able to witness Karely Cornwell handle calls from people who are in need of Laborde Earles services. She is always polite and professional. I thi...

I am able to witness Karely Cornwell handle calls from people who are in need of Laborde Earles services. She is always polite and professional. I think it’s safe to assume that the majority of people who call in are stressed and to have someone who is calm and kind taking the call is a great representation of the company.

D
Debbie Fontenot

Marksville

I had an amazing experience working with my paralegal, Wesley Guillory, at Laborde Earles Law Firm. Wesley went above and beyond for me throughout the...

I had an amazing experience working with my paralegal, Wesley Guillory, at Laborde Earles Law Firm. Wesley went above and beyond for me throughout the entire process. He was always patient, knowledgeable, and quick to respond to any questions I had. What stood out most was how genuinely he cared. He made sure I understood every step and always made me feel supported and informed.

Wesley’s professionalism and compassion truly set him apart. He made a stressful situation so much easier, and I’m incredibly grateful for all of his hard work. I highly recommend Wesley and the entire Laborde Earles team. They really do put their clients first.

J
Jaine Fisher

Lafayette

Toni at LE is seriously so dedicated and a hard worker! LE is lucky to have this chick. She's so sweet but a little spicy (in a good, funny way!) whic...

Toni at LE is seriously so dedicated and a hard worker! LE is lucky to have this chick. She's so sweet but a little spicy (in a good, funny way!) which is always a breath of fresh air to be around someone who is genuine. She's a doll and anyone who comes into contact with her is a lucky one!

H
Hannah Johnson

Baton Rouge

Toni is an absolute professional. She consistently goes above and beyond for her clients, ensuring every detail is handled with care and precision. He...

Toni is an absolute professional. She consistently goes above and beyond for her clients, ensuring every detail is handled with care and precision. Her communication is clear, and she truly cares about delivering results. I couldn’t recommend her more highly!

M
Mimi

Lake Charles

I just want to say that Kelby is a wonderful Attorney and will do what ever it takes to make sure you are taking care of. And his Team of Paralegal's,...

I just want to say that Kelby is a wonderful Attorney and will do what ever it takes to make sure you are taking care of. And his Team of Paralegal's, Amber, Toni, Debbie, Alana & Erica are absolutely amazing. You couldn't have ask for better. And to Rachael, she was so sweet the other day when I needed some information about when my advance was going to be ready. Thank you Laborde Earle's Law Firm for always being the Best.

L
Lauren O'Quinn

New Orleans

Jourdan is an outstanding paralegal! She is knowledgeable, organized, and truly cares about the clients she works with. Every interaction I’ve h...

Jourdan is an outstanding paralegal! She is knowledgeable, organized, and truly cares about the clients she works with. Every interaction I’ve had with her has been positive — she takes the time to explain things clearly and makes the process much less stressful. Laborde Earles Law Firm is lucky to have someone like Jourdan on their team. I would highly recommend both Jourdan and the firm to anyone looking for trustworthy and reliable legal support.

M
Matt Picard

New Orleans

Over 1,700 5-Star Reviews

Read More Testimonials

Get Legal Assistance from a Zostavax Attorney

A knowledgeable Zostavax lawyer should know how to navigate complicated mass tort matters and stand up to large pharmaceutical companies to help you get the compensation they deserve. If you received the Zostavax injection and ended up getting shingles or suffering a serious injury like blindness or liver failure, give an attorney a call today to find out how they could help you.

View More Articles Trusted Voices Sharing What Matters

closeup of a car with a crashed hood

Blog Louisiana’s New Comparative Fault Law (2026): What the 51% Rule Means for Your Compensation

If you were injured in Louisiana, a recent change in the law could determine whether you recover compensation or nothing at all. As of Janua...

Read Full Article
woman in neck brace talking to lawyer

Blog Louisiana Sets New Two-Year Statute of Limitations for Tort Claims

Now that Louisiana has set a new two-year statute of limitations on tort claims, injury victims will have more time to take legal action for...

Read Full Article
law statue

Blog Digger Earles Honored With Appointment to GLP-1 Plaintiff Steering Committee

In a significant victory for plaintiffs in the high-stakes multi-district GLP-1 litigation, renowned Lafayette personal injury lawyer Digger...

Read Full Article
big rig car accident

Blog $1,400,000 Settlement for Alexandria Woman in Car Accident

When it comes to being injured in a car accident, choosing the right attorney can be the difference between getting $1,400,000 in 9 months i...

Read Full Article

Guidance you can trust, from people who actually know.

View All FAQs View All Articles

Our Locations Find Your Local Office

Get Legal Help Today Talk to a Louisiana Local Attorney Today

25+ Attorneys Collaboration on every case

Call Anytime Speak to our local team 24/7

(337) 777-7777
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
This field is required.
Send Message
Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at (337) 777-7777.