A New Hope in the Prevention of Shingles

Course overview

Shingles is cause by a reactivation of latent varicella-zoster (VZV) virus. Risk of reactivation is a reality in more than 90% of adults who have been infected by VZV. Shingles can cause considerable pain and most notably can cause postherpetic neuralgia as a complication. Zostavax was recommended to prevent shingles in individuals over the age of 50 but was 50% effective in preventing VZV reactivation. Shingrix was approved by the FDA in October 2017. Shingrix has been shown to have an efficacy of >90% thanks to the use of adjuvant technology. It is recommended for use in adults over the age of 50. It will be important for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and nurses to be aware of the new vaccine product to prevent shingles in a greater number of older adults.