Vaccination is the most effective prevention of herpes zoster

According to the Ministry of Health, 90% of adults in Spain are infected with the chickenpox virus. This is the reason for the development shingles When the patient ages or is immunocompromised, the virus is reactivated and causes neurocutaneous manifestations. A pathology with a mortality rate of 8% and serious complications such as postherpetic neuralgia, but all this can be prevented.

“Vaccines against varicella and herpes zoster may alter the natural history of varicella-zoster virus infection,” said the authors of a study recently published in the journal Vacunas. Currently, the recombinant vaccine available in Spain is intended for older patients and people with weakened immune systems, such as recipients of hematopoietic stem cell transplants, solid tumors or HIV.

In Spain, the cost of treatment for herpes zoster and neuralgia per patient was 240 euros and 571 euros in the healthcare sector of the National Health System.

This vaccine well tolerated and shows effectiveness 97.2% in healthy adults aged 50 years and older and

more than 88% against postherpetic neuralgia. In immunocompromised patients, the effectiveness of this measure exceeds 80% and may even persist for 20 years or more. In this way, the incidence of this pathology is reduced, and with it the associated health and social care costs.

In recent years IHospitalizations for herpes zoster have increased in many countries. mainly due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on healthcare systems and patient health. These hospitalizations represent significant medical expenses of up to 7152 euros per patient, A total of 100,433,904 euros, according to a study published in the journal Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics.

In Spain, according to a study cited in the journal Vacunas, the cost per patient of treating herpes zoster and neuralgia was 240 and 571 euros, in the healthcare sector of the National Health System. If non-health and social costs are added, the cost increases to €296 and €712 respectively.

ROLE OF PRIMARY CARE

Modern treatments have proven effective against herpes zoster, but not against its complications such as postherpetic neuralgia. This complication has a significant impact on the quality of life of patients with chronic pain and requires different treatment modalities that are not always effective in all patients.

The only way to prevent the development of shingles and its complications is vaccine. In Spain, starting from 2024, all autonomous communities will include this preventive tool in their lifelong vaccination calendars, following the announcement of Andalusia that this year it will be the same as in the rest of the autonomies and will include recommendations for this vaccine. in patients at risk due to age or health status.

“PC professionals play a fundamental role in educating the public about the importance of preventing certain vaccine-preventable diseases.”

Vaccination of people at risk of varicella virus reactivation is funded for different cohorts depending on region, but the vaccine is available in pharmacies for everyone who wants to be vaccinated against this pathology. In this sense, the study authors emphasize the importance of raising awareness Primary care (PC).

“Despite these advances, vaccination among adults is much less common than among children,” they report in the study. Vaccination for adults depends on annual campaigns, mainly against influenza, in contrast to the systematic pediatric model, which professionals are calling for to be replicated among older people. Vaccination in this age group “serves a dual function: reduce the burden of disease And maintain quality of life patients longer.”

“PC professionals play a fundamental role in educating the public about the importance of preventing certain vaccine-preventable diseases that can significantly impact their quality of life, such as herpes zoster,” they note, recalling that due to a lack of information, frequent changes in vaccination schedules, lack of time for consultations or lack of centralized registration systems make vaccination difficult. And to avoid them, primary health care professionals are key players who can promote immunization through closer contact with patients. “Vaccination continues to be one of the most cost-effective public health interventions,” the study authors remind.