title: Herpes Zoster Vaccination: Controversies and Common Clinical Questions.
abstract: Herpes zoster, clinically referred to as shingles, is an acute, cutaneous viral infection caused by reactivation of the varicella zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. The incidence of herpes zoster and its complications increase with decline in cell-mediated immunity, including age-associated decline. The most effective management strategy for herpes zoster is prevention of the disease through vaccination in those who are most vulnerable. Despite the demonstrated efficacy in reducing the incidence and severity of herpes zoster, the uptake of vaccine remains low. Here, we will discuss the controversies that surround the live herpes zoster vaccine and address the common clinical questions that arise. We will also discuss the new adjuvanted herpes zoster vaccine currently under investigation.
authors.affiliation: Division of Infectious Disease, Case Western Reserve University and Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
authors.forename: Puja
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Van Epps
authors.forename: Kenneth E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Schmader
authors.forename: David H
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Canaday
mesh_terms: D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D006562:Herpes Zoster / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D053061:Herpes Zoster Vaccine / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host / Q000276:immunology; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D053061:Herpes Zoster Vaccine