[Shingles vaccine: which recommendations in 2014?]

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Public Health
• Pharmacoeconomics

Context:

• Zostavax, a live attenuated vaccine for shingles (herpes zoster), has been available in Switzerland since 2008.
• Evidence indicates its effectiveness in reducing shingles incidence and complications in individuals aged 60 and over.

Purpose:

• To evaluate the public health impact and pharmacoeconomic viability of Zostavax.
• To determine if Switzerland should incorporate Zostavax into its national vaccination program.

Summary:

• The vaccine demonstrates efficacy in preventing shingles and associated complications in older adults.
• Zostavax offers significant public health benefits by reducing illness burden.
• The vaccine is considered pharmacoeconomically viable.

Impact:

• Incorporating Zostavax into the Swiss vaccination program could enhance public health outcomes for the elderly population.
• This decision aligns with vaccination policies in the United States and other European nations.
• The move could lead to a substantial reduction in the overall burden of shingles in Switzerland.