Herpes zoster
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Prevention
The Centers for Disease Control recommends the zoster vaccination (Zostavax - which is different than the pediatric vaccine Variva) for adults aged at least 60 years:[1] Contraindications include:[2]
- allergic to neomycin, or any component of the vaccine
- immuncompromise due to radiation, corticosteroids, or conditions such as AIDS and cancers.
- pregnancy
- people who are in close contact with pregnant women who have not had chickenpox probably not have vaccine
A randomized controlled trial of a vaccine for adults aged at least 60 years reduced the incidence of zoster over three years from 3.3% to 1.6%; approximately 60 people would have to take the vaccine to prevent one case of shingles (number needed to treat=59).[3]
References
- ↑ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2006). CDC Media Relations Press Release - October 26, 2006. Retrieved on 2007-10-22.
- ↑ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2006). CBER - Zoster Vaccine, Live, (Oka/Merck), Zostavax Questions & Answers. Retrieved on 2007-10-22.
- ↑ Oxman MN, Levin MJ, Johnson GR, et al (2005). "A vaccine to prevent herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia in older adults". N. Engl. J. Med. 352 (22): 2271–84. DOI:10.1056/NEJMoa051016. PMID 15930418. Research Blogging.