Effectiveness of Live Attenuated Varicella-Zoster Vaccine in Adults Older than 50 Years in Japan: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

ABSTRACT: Background: In Japan, freeze-dried live attenuated varicella-zoster vaccine BIKEN is available for adults aged ≥50 years to prevent herpes zoster (HZ). A prospective cohort study of 1200 healthy adults and 300 patients with underlying illness confirmed vaccine safety between 2016 and 2017. However, evidence of vaccine effectiveness (VE) is limited. Methods: VE against HZ and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) was evaluated in the vaccinated cohort of the previous safety study in a follow-up study between 2021 and 2022 and compared with unvaccinated family members. Self-administered questionnaires determined retrospective experiences of HZ and PHN diagnosis. Logistic regression estimated the VE by calculating the outcome odds ratio (OR) in vaccinated vs. unvaccinated groups: VE = (1

SUBMITTER: Matsumoto K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9958742 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature