Human vaccines
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Immunogenicity and safety of ZOSTAVAX(®) approaching expiry potency in individuals aged ≥50 years.
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. ⋯ ZOSTAVAX elicits an acceptable immune response in immunocompetent individuals ≥50 y of age when stored as directed and administered during the 6 mo prior to expiration.