This vaccine is recommended for those over age 60 to prevent Herpes Zoster, also known as shingles. This illness is a recurrence of prior chicken pox infection. The virus that causes chicken pox will lie dormant in the root of the spinal nerves. Many years later, the virus may reactivate in the distribution of a particular spinal nerve causing a painful rash which is sometimes debilitating. Because of the potential severity to older patients, the vaccine is recommended only in this age group.