Although the CDC does not recommend serologic testing when vaccinating adults age 50 and older, if serologic evidence of varicella susceptibility is available to the health care provider, the CDC recommends that providers follow the guidelines for varicella vaccination recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
Since the recombinant vaccine has not been evaluated in persons who are seronegative for varicella, it is not indicated for the prevention of varicella and thus should not be administered to patients who test negative for immunity to varicella zoster virus.
Other contraindications to the recombinant vaccine include a severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine or after a dose of of the vaccine, a current diagnosis of shingles, and currently being pregnant or breastfeeding.