An advisory committee statement (ACS) National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) : Update on the use of herpes zoster vaccine

HZ vaccine reduces the incidence of HZ and post-herpetic neuralgia 5. |. UPDATE ON THE USE OF HERPES ZOSTER VACCINE I. INTRODUCTION In January 2010 the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) published a statement of recommendations regarding the administration of the live, injectable, attenuated herpes zoster vaccine (ZostavaxTM, Merck Canada, Inc.). [...] In the prior statement, NACI recommended the use of herpes zoster vaccine for the prevention of herpes zoster (HZ) and its complications in persons 60 years and older without contraindications. [...] The new data has provided further clarity on the issues that include but are not limited to, age indications for administration of herpes zoster vaccine, immunization in immunocompromised hosts, concomitant administration of herpes zoster vaccine with PneumovaxTM23, vaccination following a prior episode of HZ, and reports of the recurrence or exacerbation of herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) follow [...] METHODS In brief, the broad stages in the preparation of a NACI statement are: 1. knowledge synthesis (retrieve and summarize individual studies, rank the level and quality of the evidence); 2. synthesis of the body of evidence of benefits and harms, considering the quality of the evidence and magnitude of effects observed; 3. translation of evidence into a recommendation. [...] The SPS showed a 61% reduction in the burden of illness caused by HZ in persons aged greater than or equal to 60 years who were vaccinated with the herpes zoster vaccine.(1) It also showed a reduction in the incidence of HZ by 51% and a reduction in the incidence of post-herpetic neuralgia by 66%.