Zoster Vaccine Associated With Lower Risk of Shingles in Older Adults

A study in the January 12 issue of JAMA showed that vaccination with a herpes zoster vaccine was associated with a reduced risk of developing a painful rash commonly known as shingles. This reduced risk was shown to be independent of age, race, sex, or presence of chronic conditions. Researchers evaluated the risk of zoster after receipt of a zoster vaccine among individuals in general practice settings. The study included community dwelling adults, aged 60 years or older. The vaccinated cohort consisted of 75,761 members, who were age matched to the 227,283 unvaccinated members. Herpes zoster vaccine recipients had reduced risks of the herpes zoster rash and hospitalizations coded as herpes zoster. Overall, the vaccine was found to be associated with a 55% reduction in herpes zoster incidence.

source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110111165006.htm

-Catalina Angel