The evidence type for use of recombinant zoster vaccine in immunocompetent adults aged 50 years and older was determined to be type 1 (high level of evidence). The evidence type for use of the live attenuated herpes zoster vaccine in immunocompetent adults aged 50 years and older was determined to be type 1 (high level of evidence). The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices reviewed the results of both GRADE analysis as well as other data demonstrating high burden of herpes zoster and PHN among the target population, cost effectiveness and implementation analysis.
In October 2017, ACIP recommended:
•Recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) is recommended for the prevention of herpes zoster and related complications for immunocompetent adults aged 50 years and older.
•RZV is recommended for the prevention of herpes zoster and related complications for immunocompetent adults who previously received ZVL.
•RZV is preferred over ZVL for the prevention of herpes zoster and related complications.
These recommendations serve as a supplement to the 2008 Prevention of Herpes Zoster Recommendations of ACIP, for the use of ZVL in adults age 60 years and older [1, 55, 56].The Policy Note detailing the 2017 ACIP recommendations for use of herpes zoster vaccine in adults aged 50 years and older are available on the ACIP website.
- Background paper
- Americas
- United States of America
- Herpes zoster
