Preventing herpes zoster through vaccination.
OBJECTIVE
The role of the zoster vaccine in the prevention of herpes zoster and its sequelae, including postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) and herpes zoster ophthalmicus.


CONCLUSIONS
Wide administration of the herpes zoster vaccine in accordance with the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will lead to a decline in the incidence and morbidity of herpes zoster and its complications, including PHN.


METHODS
The key study leading to the approval of the zoster vaccine for use, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ACIP's recommendations for appropriate use of the zoster vaccine, and predictions regarding the cost efficacy of a zoster vaccination program are reviewed.


RESULTS
The Shingles Prevention Study established that the zoster vaccine was safe, well tolerated, and effective in reducing the burden of illness due to herpes zoster and the incidence of PHN. The ACIP recommended that the zoster vaccine be given to adults 60 and older for the prevention of herpes zoster. Cost-efficacy analyses suggest that the greatest gain in quality-adjusted life-years can be gained by vaccinating individuals at the younger end of the ACIP-recommended age range.


CONCLUSIONS
The zoster vaccine promises to reduce the morbidity and mortality of herpes zoster. Administering the vaccine at the younger end of the age range may offer a greater cost benefit.
Gelb
Lawrence D
LD
Division of Infectious Disease, Washington University School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Barnes-Jewish Medical Center, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA. ldgelb@swbell.net
D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D006563:Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus / Q000517:prevention & control*; D053061:Herpes Zoster Vaccine / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D051474:Neuralgia, Postherpetic / Q000517:prevention & control; D019057:Quality-Adjusted Life Years; D014611:Vaccination
D053061:Herpes Zoster Vaccine