Uptake and Effectiveness of Zoster Vaccine in the General Population

Only 3.9% of the general U.S. population aged ≥65 received the zoster vaccine, but vaccinees had significantly reduced rates of zoster and postherpetic neuralgia.

Each year, approximately 1 million U.S. citizens develop herpes zoster. The reactivation of latent varicella virus causes a painful vesicular rash and sometimes also postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), which greatly impairs quality of life. A zoster vaccine is available and is recommended in the U.S. for all immunocompetent individuals aged ≥60. But just how effective is this vaccine in preventing herpes zoster and PHN in the general population?

To answer this question and to analyze vaccine uptake, researchers studied a 5% random sample of Medicare beneficiaries aged ≥65, using records from 2007 through 2009 (N=766,330). Zoster and PHN were determined by the presence of specific diagnostic codes together with relevant prescriptions.

Vaccine uptake…

Reviewing Author

Thomas Glück, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsConsilium Infectiorum by InfectoPharm, Infection

Thomas Glück, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsConsilium Infectiorum by InfectoPharm, Infection