Unveiling the Uncertainties: Exploring the Utility of Herpes Zoster Vaccines.

Herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles, is a viral infection caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). After primary infection with VZV, which causes chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the sensory ganglia. However, it can reactivate later in life, leading to the development of shingles. Shingles typically presents as a painful, unilateral, and vesicular rash along the distribution of sensory nerves. The condition can be associated with significant morbidity, including severe pain, postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), and other complications. In this editorial, we will delve into the global and Indian burden of herpes zoster, explore its complications, highlight the importance of prevention, shed light on the Shingrix vaccine, discuss its composition, and present the research on safety and efficacy, including the ZOE-50 and ZOE-70 studies. Furthermore, we will review the recommendations on the Shingrix vaccine by leading global medical societies, including the esteemed Association of Physicians of India (API).

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© Journal of the Association of Physicians of India 2023.