VACCINE AGAINST HERPES ZOSTER
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What is Herpes Zoster
Herpes zoster (HZ), also known as Shingles, is an acute viral disease caused by the reactivation of latent infection with varicella-zoster virus (VZV), a DNA virus belonging to the Herpesviridae family. The virus remains latent in the roots of the ganglia of the nervous system and can only develop in people who have contracted or come into contact with chickenpox, including those vaccinated with a live chickenpox vaccine. Factors that can increase the risk of HZ onset or aggravate its symptoms are age and some predisposing pathologies. The main symptoms of HZ are: vesicular rash, usually unilateral, frequently associated with pain (shingles). Post herpetic neuralgia (PHN) is the most frequent and important complication together with others such as bacterial superinfection of the lesions, skin dissemination, pulmonary infection and myocarditis.
Why prevention is important
Vaccination against herpes zoster is important to prevent the incidence of HZ and post herpetic neuralgia. The prevention of this pathology is carried out in a safe and effective way through the varicella-zoster vaccine, available since 1995 and administered together with the measles, rubella and pertussis vaccine. Vaccination is recommended not only for those at risk, but also for those who have not yet developed the disease since the infection acquired in adulthood could lead to more serious clinical consequences.
When is it advisable to get vaccinated?
According to the National Vaccination Prevention Plan (PNPV) 2017-2019, vaccination against herpes zoster must be actively offered to subjects aged 65 and to subjects at risk starting from the age of 50, if suffering from diabetes mellitus , cardiovascular disease, COPD and when treated with immunosuppressive therapy.
Vaccine composition
ZOSTAVAX is a live attenuated herpes zoster vaccine. The HZ vaccine consists of an attenuated form of the varicella zoster virus and allows to inhibit the reactivation of the latent virus in the body and therefore prevent the onset of herpes zoster and Post Herpetic Neuralgia (PHN). This vaccination is able to reduce the cases of post-herpetic neuralgia by about 65% and the clinical cases of zoster by about 50%.
SHINGRIX is an adjuvanted recombinant vaccine, i.e. it contains a glycoprotein of the VZV Virus recombined from the viral DNA. Its effectiveness in reducing cases of HZ is greater than 90%. It also reduces cases of postherpetic neuralgia by about 70% in over 80-year-olds, reaching almost 100% in 50-year-olds.
Commercial name of the vaccine
ZOSTAVAX
SHINGRIX
Method of administration
The methodof administration of ZOSTAVAX is as a single dose suspension for injection. The need for booster doses is currently unknown. ZOSTAVAX is indicated for the immunization of individuals 50 years of age and older.
The method of administration of SHINGRIX is by suspension for injection. There are two expected doses of SHINGRIX. These should be given 2-6 months apart. SHINGRIX is given to adults aged 50 and over and adults aged 18 and over who are at an increased risk of getting shingles.
Side effects and contraindications?
Following the administration of the Herpes zoster vaccine, swelling, itching, erythema, pain at the injection site may occur. In some cases, headaches and pain in the extremities are reported. As with all vaccines, it is possible that allergic reactions, even serious ones, may occur. However, this is a rare occurrence.
The administration of ZOSTAVAX vaccine should not be performed::
- in subjects allergic to the active ingredients or to any of the components of the vaccine;
- in subjects affected by primary and acquired immunodeficiency;
- in subjects receiving immunosuppressive therapy, including high-dose corticosteroids;
- in people with active untreated tuberculosis;
- in pregnant women.
- in subjects allergic to the active ingredients or to any of the components of the vaccine;
- no studies have been conducted in pregnant women for this reason it is better to avoid its use if possible or in any case a discussion with your doctor is necessary.
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