Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift für Dermatologie, Venerologie, und verwandte Gebiete
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Herpes zoster (HZ) is caused by the reactivation of varicella zoster virus. The incidence of herpes zoster and associated problems increases with age. With a life-long prevalence of 30%, every second 85-year-old person experiences HZ once in his lifetime. ⋯ HZ vaccination represents a substantial improvement in terms of prevention of herpes zoster and reduction of long-term complications, such as PHN. The permanent vaccination commission of the Robert Koch Institute recommends vaccination with dead virus for all persons over the age of 60 years. Risk groups like immunosuppressed patients are advised to be vaccinated starting at the age of 50 years.