The Community of Madrid will purchase 640,000 vaccines against herpes zoster for 80 million MiraCorror

The vaccine is intended for citizens who will turn 65 and 75 years old this year.

The Community of Madrid has entered into a contract for the purchase 640,000 vaccines against herpes zoster with an investment of 80,038,000 euros for 2024 and 2025. This was approved this week by the Government Council with the aim of monitoring immunization against this viral disease, which began in the region in 2022, to prevent its emergence and complications that may arise. From him.

The vaccine is coming addressed to citizens who will be 65 and 75 years old this year, that is, those born in 1959 and 1949, except for those born between 1942 and 1948, also between 1957 and 1958. and which do not have specified prior protection. Also people with certain risk factors, and also, what is new in this exercise, those who have suffered two or more episodes of this pathology and those who have been treated with immunomodulators since 50 years (the age from which the incidence is higher). or immunosuppressants.

In the period from January to March 2024, the regional executive power has already administered 96,000 doses, of these, 43,552 were the first administration and 52,448 were strengthened. This represents an increase over the previous year as a result of the increase in the target population, its knowledge and acceptance of the immunization program, and the work carried out by health workers to recruit recipients.

Herpes zoster is caused by the varicella zoster virus and is more common in women. Acquired in childhood, it remains latent in the body and the likelihood of its occurrence increases throughout life, especially if a person has immunosuppression or other health problems.

It appears as a skin rash similar to chickenpox, which can be extremely painful. It has a low mortality rate, but its complications, including postherpetic neuralgia, can reduce patients’ quality of life and cause disability, as well as increase the need for medical and pharmacological care.

In 2023, the number of vaccinations against this pathology was estimated at 330,661. of 4.5 million (50% more than in 2022) that were used to prevent various diseases, including influenza, COVID, infections caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and all those included in vaccination calendar throughout life.