Zostavax in patients under 60 years of age

[diana.papshev]

One of our members is inquiring whether there is published evidence that demonstrates safety and efficacy of Zostavax in patients under age 60

[jacqueline.kostick]

All of the Zostavax trials involved individuals 60 years of age and older.

The CDC and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) state that, "the [zoster] vaccine is not licensed for persons aged <60 years, and no recommendation exists for routine vaccination of persons aged <60 years. Although the vaccine would probably be safe and effective in persons aged <60 years, data are insufficient to recommend vaccination of these persons at this time."

Sources:
Zostavax prescribing information
CDC- Herpes Zoster Vaccine Q&A (Shingles)
ACIP- Prevention of Herpes Zoster Recommendations

[diana.papshev]

The following is the response from the inquiring member:

"Thanks. That is the conclusion our own research is coming to. We have learned that some European countries recommend vaccination for patients age 50 and greater, but there is no evidence to support that practice. In addition, the incidence of zoster apparently increases dramatically after age 60, so there may be little incentive for a large trial to be undertaken in populations younger than that."