Brief Answer:
The answer to this is complicated:

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

I can tell you that depending on the doctor, one might say there is basically no significant risk to the baby, and another would say that any risk, even theoretical is too great.

So I'll tell you the information that we now have about the Shingles Vaccine and hope that it helps you make a decision.

The varicella zoster (shingles) vaccine is made from live attenuated virus. The viruses are not killed but are weakened.

There have been a small number of cases of the recipient of the shot developing shingles shortly after receiving the vaccine. Most of these cases are attributed to the natural statistical risk of developing shingles anyway. But a few cases can be attributed (by DNA testing) directly to the vaccine.

The severity of the actual case of shingles a vaccinated person may get varies, but there is evidence that a possible pain syndrome after the shingles episode is over (post herpetic neuralgia) is less likely to occur if you have received the shingles vaccine.

While theoretically, a person who has received a live attenuated vaccine can shed this virus to others who are not immune (such as babies who have neither had chicken pox nor the chicken pox vaccine), no cases of this happening have been reported so far.

So there you have it. It is probably safe to get the vaccine. I personally tend to be very cautious and might wait to get the vaccine until the baby is 6 months old at which time he or she will have a mature immune system.

I thought you might be interested in this article: http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/Should_you_get_the_shingles_vaccine

Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.

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