Herpes zoster vaccine reduces chances of shingles after stem cell transplants

This NIHR Signal says that the risk of shingles is about 10% per year in adults after autologous stem cell transplant. The evidence summary indicates that two doses of deactivated herpes zoster vaccine could be a safe and effective way to reduce that risk by about two thirds.This effect is similar to another, heat-treated, non-live vaccine. Either vaccine could reduce the pain and need for medical treatment associated with shingles, and long-lasting complications such as post-herpetic neuralgia. It ' s not yet known if people need to continue taking acyclovir as well.
Source: Current Awareness Service for Health (CASH) - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news