Vaccination Reduces HZ Incidence in People Aged 50 to 59

In a large event-driven trial, 30 cases of herpes zoster occurred in the vaccine group compared with 99 in the placebo group.

Herpes zoster (HZ) occurs when latent varicella zoster virus (VZV) reactivates in the dorsal root or cranial nerve ganglia because of waning cellular immunity. Although the original study of zoster vaccine (ZV) demonstrated a reduced burden of illness from HZ in people aged ≥60, individuals aged 50 to 59 account for about 20% of HZ cases each year in the U.S. (Mayo Clin Proc 2007; 82:1341).

In a manufacturer-sponsored, multicenter, double-blind trial conducted between October 2007 and January 2010, researchers examined the efficacy and safety of ZV in people aged 50 to 59. Participants (healthy individuals in Europe or North America with a history of varicella or residence in a VZV-endemic area for ≥30 years) were randomized to receive a sin…

Reviewing Author

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

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)