english.prescrire.org > Spotlight > Archives : 2012 > In the December issue of Prescrire International: Herpes zoster vaccine (Zostavax°) is poorly effective in those who need it most

Spotlight: Archives

Every month, the subjects in Prescrire’s Spotlight.

2012 : 1 | 30 | 60 | 90

In the December issue of Prescrire International: Herpes zoster vaccine (Zostavax°) is poorly effective in those who need it most

FREE DOWNLOAD Vaccination of the elderly against zoster has a modest preventive effect, but apparently not in those at highest risk (age over 80 years, onset of  immunosuppression). 
Full text available for free download.

Summary

  • The results of a clinical trial suggest that zoster vaccination (Zostavax°, Sanofi Pasteur MSD) of 1000 healthy persons aged 60 years or over prevents approximately one case of postherpetic neuralgia each year over the next 3 years.
     
  • Vaccination is less effective in persons over 70 years of age.
     
  • This live zoster vaccine is contraindicated in immunocompromised individuals, yet they are at highest risk of severe zoster.

Full text available for free download.

 ©Prescrire 1 December 2012

"Herpes zoster vaccine. Poorly effective in those who need it most" Prescrire Int 2012; 21 (133): 291. (Pdf, free)
Download the full review
Pdf, free