A recombinant, subunit herpes zoster (HZ) vaccine containing varicella-zoster virus (VZV) glycoprotein E (gE), that can potentially be used to prevent HZ infection, also called shingles. Upon administration, HZ vaccine GSK1437173A stimulates the host immune system to induce both specific CD4-positive T-cells and antibodies against VZV gE, thereby protecting against infection with HZ. VZV gE, the most common antigen in VZV viral particles, plays a key role in VZV infection. Compared to live-attenuated vaccines, the subunit vaccine prevents the risk of vaccine-induced HZ in immunocompromised patients.