Status of Herpes Zoster and Herpes Zoster Vaccines in 2023: A position paper

Abstract

Herpes zoster infection (HZ) is an important public health problem due to its high incidence and frequent complications, especially post-herpetic neuropathy . The incidence of HZ increases with age and is more frequent in immunocompromised patients. It is estimated that at least 60,000 people develop HZ each year in Spain. The usual forms of HZ are so clinically characteristic that they do not usually require microbiological confirmation, which is reserved for cases without cutaneous manifestations or with atypical presentation. There are currently two vaccines approved by the regulatory agencies and marketed in Spain to prevent the onset of HZ and its complications. The first (Zostavax®) was marketed by the company MSD and licensed in Europe in 2006 and is a live attenuated virus vaccine that is administered in a single dose, while the second (Shingrix®) is a recombinant vaccine, marketed in 2017 and requires two doses. While the former cannot be administered to immunocompromised persons, the latter can be prescribed to any group of adults. The criteria for the indication and financing of these vaccines have not been uniform in the various autonomous communities of Spain. These and other aspects of HZ have been discussed by a group of experts from the Illustrious Official College of Physicians of Madrid (ICOMEM) whose criteria and opinions are included in this paper.

Exploring machine learning methods for predicting systemic lupus erythematosus with herpes

“…13 A recombinant vaccine (Shingrix) is currently available in Spain, which has been tested in an immunosuppressed population. 14 A study showed that recombinant vaccine prevented approximately 35% of HZ attacks and complications, helping reduce financial costs for patients. 14 However, none of the SLE patients in our study had received the vaccine.…”

“…14 A study showed that recombinant vaccine prevented approximately 35% of HZ attacks and complications, helping reduce financial costs for patients. 14 However, none of the SLE patients in our study had received the vaccine. Therefore, it is possible and necessary to use HZ-attenuated live vaccine to prevent HZ occurrence during the period of SLE.…”

“…Studies have found that SLE patients, especially those with active lupus nephritis who are undergoing treatment, tend to have more risk factors for herpes, including lymphocytopenia, 3 glucocorticoids, 12 leukopenia, 11 and cyclophosphamide 13 . A recombinant vaccine (Shingrix) is currently available in Spain, which has been tested in an immunosuppressed population 14 . A study showed that recombinant vaccine prevented approximately 35% of HZ attacks and complications, helping to reduce financial costs for patients 14 .…”

Current challenges in diagnosing and treating infectious skin diseases – a case series

“…Jest to skutek uszkodzenia włókien nerwowych wtórnie do odpowiedzi zapalnej wywołanej replikacją wirusa w ich obrębie. Mogą jej towarzyszyć hiperalgezja, allodynia, lub deficyty czucia (18). Inne poważne powikłania to np.…”

“…This is a result of nerve fiber damage secondary to the inflammatory response caused by virus replication within them. It may be accompanied by hyperalgesia, allodynia, or sensory deficits (18). Other serious complications include impaired vision and hearing and neurological complaints caused by damage to cerebral vessels, spinal cord inflammation, paralysis of cranial and peripheral nerves, and polyradiculitis (15).…”