Vaccine Basics. Shingles (herpes zoster) is a painful skin rash that develops on one side of the face or body. Shingles vaccine reduces the risk of developing shingles and the long-term pain that can follow. Your risk of shingles and long-term pain from the disease increases as you age. People 60 years or older should get shingles vaccine (Zostavax) to prevent the disease. This is a one-time vaccination. There is no maximum age for getting this shingles vaccine. Shingles vaccine (Zostavax) is approved by the FDA for people 50 through 59 years old, CDC does not have a recommendation for routine use of Zostavax in people 50 through 59 years old.