Postlicensure herpes zoster vaccine effectiveness: systematic review protocol

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Herpes zoster (HZ) causes significant morbidity and burdens healthcare systems.
• Existing treatments for HZ are not fully effective, particularly in vulnerable populations.
• Two HZ vaccines are available and recommended in national immunization programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of available zoster vaccines.
• To assess vaccine efficacy against incident HZ and postherpetic neuralgia.
• To focus on adults aged 50 years and older.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of postlicensure observational studies (2006-2020).
• Searches of major databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, CINAHL).
• Data synthesis using a random-effect model.

Main Results:

• Effectiveness data for zoster vaccines against HZ and PHN will be synthesized.
• The review will identify the most effective vaccination strategies for older adults.
• Results will highlight vaccine performance in real-world settings.

Conclusions:

• Zoster vaccines play a crucial role in preventing HZ and its complications.
• Evidence synthesis will guide clinical practice and public health policy.
• Vaccination is key to reducing the burden of herpes zoster in older adults.