Herpes zoster primary prevention

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; L. Katie Morrison, MD; Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [2]Aysha Anwar, M.B.B.S[3]

Overview

The only way to reduce the risk of developing shingles and the long-term pain that can follow shingles is to get vaccinated. A vaccine for shingles is licensed for persons aged 60 years and older.

Primary Prevention

Zostavax vaccine is recommended for individuals aged 60 years and older to prevent Herpes zoster. Other primary prevention strategies include intake of micronutrients, including antioxidant vitamins, A, C, E and vitamin B, as well as fresh fruits.

Vaccines

Varicella containing vaccines	Indications	Efficacy and immunogenicity	Recommended dose	Contraindications
Varicella vaccine (Varivax)	Children Routine vaccination at 12-15 months of age Routine second dose at 4-6 years of age Adolescents and Adults All persons 13 years of age and older without evidence of varicella immunity	Detectable antibody 97% of children 12 months through 12 years following 1 dose 99% of persons 13 years and older after 2 doses 70% to 90% effective against any varicella disease 90%-100% effective against severe varicella disease	Children Minimum interval between doses of varicella vaccine is 3 months for children younger than 13 years of age Adolescents and Adults 2 doses separated by at least 4 weeks Do not repeat first dose because of extended interval between doses	Severe allergic reaction to vaccine component or following a prior dose Immunosuppression Pregnancy Moderate or severe acute illness Recent blood product
Measles-mumps-rubella-varicella vaccine (ProQuad)	Approved for children 12 months through 12 years Do not use for persons 13 years and older	Efficacy of MMRV vaccine was inferred from that of MMR vaccine and varicella vaccine on the basis of noninferior immunogenicity Formal studies to evaluate the clinical efficacy of MMRV vaccine have not been performed	May be used for both first and second doses of MMR and varicella vaccines Minimum interval between doses is 3 months	Severe allergic reaction to vaccine component or following a prior dose Immunosuppression Pregnancy Moderate or severe acute illness Recent blood product Personal or family (i.e., sibling or parent) history of seizures of any etiology
Herpes zoster vaccine (Zostavax)	Adults aged 50 years or older (first pivotal phase 3 trial) Adults aged 70 years and over (second pivotal phase 4 trial)	Efficacy between 91-97% for all age groups Efficacy does not decrease with increasing age group	Two doses 2 to 6 months apart	Immunocompromised individuals

Preventing Transmission in Healthcare Settings

To prevent disease and nosocomial spread of VZV, health care institutions should ensure that all healthcare personnel have evidence of immunity to VZV. This information should be documented and readily available at the work location. healthcare personnel without evidence of immunity should be alerted to the risks of possible infection and offered 2 doses of varicella vaccine administered 4–8 weeks apart when they begin employment. In addition, health-care institutions should establish protocols and recommendations for screening and vaccinating healthcare personnel and for management of healthcare personnel after exposures in the workplace.

Evidence of immunity to VZV for healthcare personnel includes any of the following:

• Documentation of vaccination with 2 doses of varicella vaccine;
• Laboratory evidence of immunity or laboratory confirmation of disease;
• Diagnosis or verification of a history of varicella disease by a healthcare provider; or
• Diagnosis or verification of a history of herpes zoster by a healthcare provider.