An Adjuvanted Subunit Zoster Vaccine Gets a Response

The immunogenicity and safety profile of the novel vaccine were similar in those who had previously received the live attenuated vaccine compared with those who were vaccine-naive.

Herpes zoster (HZ), caused by reactivation of the varicella zoster virus (VZV), occurs more often with age as cellular immunity wanes. An attenuated live vaccine (ZVL, Zostavax) has been available for a decade. However, its effectiveness in preventing both HZ and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) decreases with age and over time. Recently, an adjuvanted subunit vaccine containing recombinant VZV glycoprotein E (HZ/su, Shingrix) has been developed. In previous studies, HZ/su had an efficacy of >90% in preventing HZ in people aged ≥50 years, and this efficacy was maintained for 4 years.

Now, in this industry-sponsored phase III, open-label, multicenter study, 215 individuals ≥65 years previously given ZVL ≥5 years ago were matched to 215 individual…

Reviewing Author

Neil M. Ampel, MD

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Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

An Adjuvanted Subunit Zoster Vaccine Gets a Response

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Reviewing Author