What is a primary contraindication for the HZV vaccine?

The primary contraindication for the herpes zoster vaccine (HZV), often referred to as the shingles vaccine, is that it should not be administered to pregnant women. This is due to the potential risks associated with live vaccines and their impact on fetal development. The HZV is a live attenuated vaccine, which can pose a risk of transmission to the fetus if the mother receives it during pregnancy.

While adults over 65 are actually the primary population recommended to receive the vaccine to help prevent shingles and its complications, children under 12 are not the target group for administration of this vaccine as it is approved specifically for individuals aged 50 and older. Individuals with hypertension can generally receive the HZV vaccine unless they have specific contraindications related to their health status, but hypertension itself is not a direct contraindication. Therefore, the most appropriate answer regarding a primary contraindication is the restriction placed on administering the HZV vaccine to pregnant women.