Immunogenicity and safety of ZOSTAVAX(®) approaching expiry potency in individuals aged ≥50 years.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Age is a major risk factor for herpes zoster (HZ) and its potential long-term complication post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). Due to the significant burden of HZ and PHN on patients' quality of life, it is vital that effective and well-tolerated vaccines are available to prevent HZ in older adults. ZOSTAVAX(®) vaccine was developed to prevent HZ and PHN in individuals ≥50 years (y) of age, and its clinical efficacy and safety have been demonstrated.

Aims and methods

This phase 4, open-label, multicenter study was undertaken to assess the immunogenicity and safety of a single dose of ZOSTAVAX (refrigerator-stable formulation) given within 6 mo of its expiry date in individuals ≥50 y of age. The geometric mean fold rise (GMFR) from pre-vaccination to 4 weeks post-vaccin

SUBMITTER: Arnou R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3256327 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature