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Preventing herpes zoster through vaccination.

Lawrence D Gelb¹

¹Division of Infectious Disease, Washington University School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Barnes-Jewish Medical Center, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA. ldgelb@swbell.net

|February 14, 2008

Summary

The zoster vaccine effectively prevents shingles (herpes zoster) and its complications like postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Widespread vaccination, especially in younger adults aged 60 and older, is recommended for maximum public health benefit and cost-effectiveness.

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Area of Science:

Immunology
Preventive Medicine
Public Health

Background:

Herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles, is a viral infection that can lead to painful complications.
Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) and herpes zoster ophthalmicus are significant sequelae of herpes zoster.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate the role of the zoster vaccine in preventing herpes zoster and its associated complications.
To review the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations for zoster vaccine use.
To assess the cost-effectiveness of a zoster vaccination program.

Main Methods:

Review of the pivotal Shingles Prevention Study that led to vaccine approval.
Analysis of ACIP recommendations for zoster vaccine administration.
Examination of cost-efficacy predictions for vaccination programs.

Main Results:

The zoster vaccine demonstrated safety, tolerability, and efficacy in reducing herpes zoster burden and PHN incidence.
ACIP recommends the zoster vaccine for adults aged 60 and older.
Cost-efficacy analyses indicate optimal benefits when vaccinating younger individuals within the recommended age range.

Conclusions:

The zoster vaccine is a promising tool for reducing herpes zoster morbidity and mortality.
Vaccination at the younger end of the recommended age range may provide greater cost benefits.
Widespread zoster vaccination is expected to decrease the incidence and impact of shingles and its complications.