Herpes-Zoster vaccine in older people: an update
A. Di Prazza, R. Termini
Vol.8 (2024), issue 1, pag. 17 - 23
| Received | 13/12/2023 |
| Accepted | 10/01/2024 |
| Published | 17/01/2024 |
| Review by | Double-blind |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.48253/AGO34 |
ABSTRACT
Abstract
Varicella Zoster virus (VZV) is a widespread infection which typically occurs in children causing varicella or “chickenpox”. It can reactiva- te later in life, especially in older persons, provoking a condition cal- led herpes zoster (HZ), also known as “shingles”. In such a particu- lar population it can lead to a decline in activities of daily living, with a negative impact on quality of life, and the possibility of significant complications, the most common is chronic pain due to post herpe- tic neuralgia. Frailty is a typical state among older adults in which the immune system is compromised, this increases vulnerability to infectious diseases. Several studies have shown that vaccination is an effective strategy in immunocompromised patients improving immune response and providing protection against the infection. To prevent the infection two marketed vaccines are available: the live zoster vaccine and the non-live, recombinant vaccine.
Keywords
elderly, frailty, herpes zoster, vaccine, effectiveness.
MeMo
• Herpes Zoster (Varicella Zoster Virus reactivation) represents a widespread invalidating condition especially in older people.
• Studies found a very high efficacy of vaccines in terms of prevention of HZ complications and cost efficacy.