• Lyn C Guenther and Charles W Lynde.
• University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada. dgue@gdrc.ca
• J Cutan Med Surg. 2011 Jul 1; 15 (4): 185-91.

BackgroundHerpes zoster (HZ) and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) have a significant impact on quality of life. PHN is often chronic and difficult to treat. Dermatologists have always been involved in making the diagnosis of these conditions and, most recently, teaching the need for early antiviral therapy.ObjectiveWith the introduction of a new vaccine, HZ and its difficult-to-treat complication PHN can be prevented or minimized. Preventive medicine is important and has been supported by dermatologists with sun safety programs. Patients receiving biologics are at increased risk of developing zoster.ConclusionDermatologists should embrace zoster vaccination and recommend routine vaccination of immunocompetent individuals > age 60 years, as well as patients of any age who are starting immunosuppressants, including biologics. Given that individuals over age 50 years are at risk for PHN and studies have shown that the vaccine's immunogenicity and safety are maintained in individuals age 50 to 59 years, vaccination in this age group may be considered. Some dermatologists may consider vaccinating their own patients, but most will likely recommend that vaccination be performed by their patients' primary care physicians.

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