Recommendations Updated for Recombinant Zoster Vaccine

Recommendations have been updated for use of the recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) for prevention of herpes zoster and related complications among immunocompromised adults aged 19 years and older; the recommendations are available in the Jan. 21 issue of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Tara C. Anderson, D.V.M., Ph.D., from the CDC in Atlanta, and colleagues present the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for RZV.

The researchers note that on July 23, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration expanded the indication for RZV to include adults aged 18 years and older who are or will be at increased risk for herpes zoster due to immunodeficiency or immunosuppression caused by known disease or therapy. For adults aged 19 years and older who are or will be immunodeficient or immunosuppressed due to disease or therapy, the ACIP recommended two doses of RZV for prevention of herpes zoster and related complications. RZV is the first herpes zoster vaccine approved for immunocompromised individuals and has moderate-to-high vaccine efficacy and an acceptable safety profile.

"RZV has the potential to prevent considerable herpes zoster incidence and related complications," the authors write. "Recommending vaccination of immunocompromised adults aged ≥19 years will enable providers to vaccinate patients at a time most appropriate for their immunocompromising condition or therapy."

One author disclosed financial ties to the pharmaceutical and medical technology industries.