[Active immunoprophylaxis to reduce clinical impact of Herpes Zoster and its complications]

Herpes Zoster is a painful cutaneous eruption caused by reactivation of Varicella Zoster Virus, years after primary infection. Approximately one third of the population, and more than 50% of persons older than 80, will present zoster in their lifetime. Zoster complications, particularly postherpetic neuralgia, are common and result in worsening health status and quality of life, with high direct and indirect costs. Licensed zoster vaccine, available in Italy in a next future, is efficacious in preventing virus reactivation and particularly in reducing complications.