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In this review, the authors consider the nature of herpes zoster and the preventive value of the herpes zoster vaccine. Herpes zoster will occur in approximately one third of the population during a lifetime. Because immunity conferred by the childhood varicella vaccination wanes over time, reactivation of the virus in older adults becomes increasingly likely with increasing age. Half of those aged 85 will experience at least one zoster outbreak. Postherpetic neuralgia is one troublesome complication of this condition, particularly in the elderly.
Can herpes zoster be prevented? In a large efficacy study, more than 38,000 subjects were randomized to receive live attenuated zoster vaccine or placebo (see Journal Watch Dermatology Jun 14 2005)…