General practitioner knowledge gaps regarding live attenuated zoster vaccination of immunocompromised individuals: An
Aditi Dey1, Harunor Rashid2, Ketaki Sharma3
1MBBS, DTM@H, GradDipApplSc (HIM), MPH, PhD, Senior Research Fellow, National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance, Westmead, NSW; Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, NSW.
Background And Objectives:
Live attenuated herpes zoster vaccine (Zostavax [CSL/Merck]) was included on the Australian National Immunisation Program from 1 November 2016 for adults aged 70 years, with a catch-up program for adults aged 71-79 years. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of Australian general practitioners (GPs) regarding Zostavax.
Method:
A national cross-sectional online survey was distributed to GPs by Healthed, a private health education provider.
Results:
Of 605 GPs, 502 responded to the survey (response rate 83%). Eighty-nine per cent were aware that Zostavax is funded and recommended for adults aged 70-79 years. Approximately 10% incorrectly responded that immunocompromise is not a contraindication to Zostavax, and 8% were unsure. For five clinical scenarios assessing knowledge of Zostavax contraindications, the proportion of correct responses ranged 25-82%.
Discussion:
While most GPs surveyed had good knowledge, notable gaps were identified. Further efforts are needed to promote awareness of recommendations, particularly for immunocompromised individuals. The availability of Shingrix, a non-live recombinant subunit zoster vaccine, in the private market provides an alternative, especially for immuncompromised patients.
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