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An age-related decline in cell-mediated immunity contributes to the high incidence of herpes zoster (shingles) in older populations. In this multicenter study, funded by the vaccine manufacturer and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, researchers assessed the efficacy of a zoster vaccine.
More than 38,000 immunocompetent adults (age, ≥60) were randomized to receive single subcutaneous injections of an investigational live attenuated zoster vaccine or placebo. During an average follow-up of 3 years, the incidence of herpes zoster was significantly lower in the vaccine group than in the placebo group (5.4 vs. 11.1 cases per 1000 person-years); postherpetic neuralgia also occurred less often in the vaccine group (0.5 vs. 1.4 cases per 1000…