[Shingles, a vaccine-preventable disease: time to realize it]

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Vaccinology
• Public Health

Background:

• Herpes zoster (HZ) and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) incidence and complications are underestimated.
• Existing treatments for acute HZ are marginally effective.
• Zoster vaccines have been developed to prevent HZ and PHN.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the development and implementation of zoster vaccines.
• To highlight the efficacy and challenges of a new HZ vaccine.
• To emphasize the need for awareness campaigns for vaccine uptake.

Main Methods:

• Review of vaccine development and recommendations.
• Analysis of vaccine efficacy and side effect profiles.
• Discussion of implementation strategies for new vaccines.

Main Results:

• A live attenuated zoster vaccine (2013) had low uptake (<1%) due to lack of implementation.
• A new subunit zoster vaccine (recommended March 2024) shows 90% efficacy, even in older and immunosuppressed populations.
• The new vaccine requires two doses and may cause frequent local side effects.

Conclusions:

• A new, highly effective zoster vaccine is available but requires a robust implementation strategy.
• Awareness campaigns for healthcare professionals and the public are crucial for successful vaccine rollout.
• Effective vaccination strategies are needed to reduce the burden of herpes zoster and its complications.