[Prevention of herpes zoster by vaccination].

Abstract

Herpes zoster (HZ) and post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) are frequently occurring diseases in elderly and in immuno-compromised persons. The live attenuated HZ vaccine boosts an existing immune response, so that the already established varicella-zoster virus infection is kept latent. Vaccination has been shown to halve the risk of HZ, and the risk of PHN is reduced by two thirds in people = 60 years. The vaccine is approved for persons aged = 50 years. However, the clinical efficacy of the vaccine is best studied in people aged = 60 years. The vaccine has so far not shown any serious side-effects.

• Authors: Kristian Kofoed, Finn Rønholt, Jan Gerstoft, Carsten Sand
• Journal: Ugeskrift for laeger (Ugeskr Laeger) Vol. 173 Issue 2 Pg. 110-4 (Jan 10 2011) ISSN: 1603-6824 [Electronic] Denmark
• Vernacular Title: Forebyggelse af herpes zoster med vaccination.
• PMID: 21219841 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Herpes Zoster Vaccine

Topics

• Aged
• Cost-Benefit Analysis
• Herpes Zoster (complications, immunology, prevention & control)
• Herpes Zoster Vaccine (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Humans
• Immunocompromised Host
• Middle Aged
• Neuralgia, Postherpetic (prevention & control)
• Risk Factors
• Treatment Outcome