According to an FDA advisory panel, studies show that an experimental vaccine to prevent shingles can cut the rate of infection by about half in people 60 and older and help curb related pain.
But drug company Merck's data also showed the vaccine, Zostavax, did not significantly reduce rates of death or hospitalization and became less effective after three years.
The advisory panel of outside health experts say that Zostavax showed no serious side effects and they will consider whether to recommend approval.
The FDA usually follows its advisory panels advice.
Apparently Merck is also seeking approval for another vaccine to help prevent rotavirus, the most common cause of diarrhea in children, and a panel will discuss the product this week.
Shingles is caused by the same virus that triggers chicken pox, the varicella-zoster virus, and is characterized by a wave of small rash-like blisters on the skin.
The virus targets the nerves and can lead to intense pain.
Figures show that as many as 1 million people in the United States develop shingles each year.
Some antiviral drugs can help control the outbreak and prevent the pain, all of which can last for up to five weeks on average.
Other drugs such as antidepressants, steroids and anticonvulsants, also can help decrease the initial discomfort.
According to experts shingles is more prevalent among older people, and more will contract the infection as people live longer.
In their review, the FDA staff also noted age was a factor in how well the vaccine worked, saying it was less effective in people 70 and older.