Loading...
The first licensed vaccine to prevent herpes zoster, Zostavax (ZVL), was a live-attenuated vaccine recommended for adults ≥60 years old and had an average efficacy of 51% in reducing zoster incidence. Side effects were mainly local, but serious adverse effects — defined as hospitalization, prolongation of hospitalization, life-threatening illness, permanent disability, or death — were seen in 4.4 per 100,000 doses.
Recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV; Shingrix), to be given in two doses several months apart, was released in October 2017 and was recommended for adults aged ≥50 years of age. Using data from the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, after administration of 3.2 million doses of RZV, serious side effects were reported at a rate of …