Decision and scientific rationale for extending the indication for herpes zoster vaccinations with the adjuvanted subunit vaccine for individuals aged 18+ years with an increased risk of developing herpes zoster

Herpes zoster (HZ) is the secondary manifestation of an infection with the varicella zoster virus. The risk of developing HZ increases with age and is also elevated in immunocompromised individuals and those with certain underlying medical conditions. The STIKO is adapting the HZ vaccination recommendation with the adjuvanted subunit vaccine to include individuals aged 18+ years with an increased risk of developing HZ. The aim is to reduce the incidence of HZ and to prevent complications and HZ sequelae (e. g. postherpetic neuralgia). The new recommendation replaces the previously valid HZ vaccination recommendation which applied to persons aged 50+ years.