This randomized placebo-controlled trial from 2005, the Shingles Prevention Study, provided evidence that the herpes zoster vaccine reduced the incidence of zoster and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) in the elderly. Zoster vaccine reduced the incidence of zoster by 51.3% (63.9% in people aged 60-69 years, but only 37.6% in people aged ≥70 years). The burden of disease was reduced by 61.1% (65.5% in people aged 60-69 years and 55.4% in people age ≥70 years), and the duration of pain and discomfort among subjects with zoster was shorter in vaccinated candidates compared with placebo recipients. PHN was reduced by >65% for both age groups, with most benefit in the ≥70 years old age group. The study also showed that vaccination reduced the adverse impact of zoster on patients’ capacity to perform daily life activities and on health-related quality of life. This Recommendation is of an article referenced in an F1000 Faculty Review also written by Don Gilden, Maria Nagel, Randall Cohrs, Ravi Mahalingam and Nicholas Baird.