Awareness, Knowledge, and Vaccine Acceptability ofHerpes Zosterin Korea: A Multicenter Survey of 607 Patients

Abstract

BackgroundHerpes zoster (HZ) infection can significantly impair the quality of life of the affected individuals, and its treatment imposes a considerable cost burden on the health-care system and on society at large. However, there is little information on the perception of this disease and the acceptability of vaccines in Korea.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to determine the awareness of HZ and its vaccine, and to identify factors associated with the acceptability of the HZ vaccine among outpatients of dermatology clinics.MethodsA questionnaire-based survey was conducted on 607 outpatients who visited the dermatologic clinics.ResultsThe responses of the patients revealed a high awareness of HZ (85.4%) but a relatively low knowledge about HZ and its vaccine (42.3%). The HZ vaccination rate among patients aged ≥50 years was 9%. A history of HZ infection, being older, and greater knowledge about HZ and its vaccine were associated with a higher HZ vaccine acceptability. Of those who had not been vaccinated, 58.3% were interested in receiving the vaccine. The most frequent reason for this interest was "severe sequelae," followed by "knowing someone who has HZ" and "recommendation from a doctor." High cost was the most common reason for unwillingness to receive the vaccination.ConclusionDespite a high awareness of HZ, vaccine acceptability was extremely low among this study cohort. Vaccination acceptability would be improved by encouraging doctors to educate elderly patients about the disease and the availability of vaccination, and by the provision of insurance coverage for HZ vaccination.

Trends in varicella and herpes zoster epidemiology before and after the implementation of universal one-dose varicella vaccination over one decade in South Korea, 2003–2015

“…In addition to these factors, the better accessibility to healthcare and increasing public awareness of HZ may contribute to the increased HZ incidence. 37,38 In our study, the aging population did not seem to be the main determinant for the increase in HZ cases, as the age-sex standardization did not alter the increasing trend. To understand the drivers of the epidemiologic change in HZ incidence, it is necessary to explore other potential contributing factors, such as the prevalence of immunocompromised status or changes in disease awareness and health behavior.…”

A Study of Intravenous Administration of Vitamin C in the Treatment of Acute Herpetic Pain and Postherpetic Neuralgia

“…In South Korea, it occurs in 10.4 cases per 1,000 people16. The annual incidence of HZ in South Korea had increased for the past 5 years16, and the burden of disease has also increased due to long-term treatment, compared to that in other countries17. The reason is that cell-mediated immunity plays an important role in the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus and the development of HZ, and it decreases with age15.…”

Frequency of Herpes Zoster Recurrence in Central District of Korea

“…We expect that the current study will motivate many researchers to study more general factors associated with herpes zoster as well as the recurrence. In particular, we expect that the findings of this study will be useful in future research on morbidity and the recurrence of herpes zoster following the recent introduction of the herpes zoster vaccine 14 15 .…”

“…Herpes zoster is becoming an important disease as the size of the aging population and the number of people with a compromised immune system increase along with an increased lifespan 14 . The current vaccine to prevent herpes zoster can be effectively used for the elderly and people with a compromised immune system, and thus, an overall change in herpes zoster epidemiology is expected with an increase in the number of people vaccinated against the disease 14 15 . In the future, a nationwide study with a long term follow-up should be conducted as herpes zoster can occur at any age.…”