Herpes zoster vaccination recommendations ofthe group of experts of the Polish Society of Vaccinology,the Polish Society of Family Medicine, the Polish Societyof Dermatology, the Polish Association for the Studyof Pain and the Polish Neurological Society

Abstract

Shingles is an infectious viral disease, a symptomatic reactivation of latent varicella-zoster virus infection (VZV). Its naturalhistory usually involves formation of blisters on erythematous skin, preceded by pain and encompassing the area of a singledermatome. Most vulnerable populations include individuals over 50 years of age as well as high-risk patients. Seriouscomplications can develop in the course of the disease, with post-shingles neuralgia being the one of the highest clinicalimportance; it develops in as many as 30% of all patients, resulting in considerable suffering and reduction in the qualityof life. The treatment of post-shingles neuralgia is lengthy and frequently inefficient, posing a significant challenge forhealthcare systems. Vaccinations are the most efficient form of protection against shingles and its related complications.Due to the epidemiology of infections and their complications, vaccinations are recommended in all individuals over the ageof 50 as well as in younger adults (18 years or older) with the disease risk factors.