<p>Varicella zoster virus vaccines: an update</p>

Abstract

Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is the etiological agent of varicella, a highly infectious, self-limiting disease with serious complications. The decline in cellmediated immunity (CMI) that occurs with aging or immunodepression causes a reactivation of the latent VZV as herpes zoster (HZ). Prevention of VZV through varicella vaccination strategies allows to avoid the primary infection in newborns and susceptible subjects. Available monovalent and combined VZV vaccines are effective, safe and generally well tolerated. Universal varicella vaccination has significantly impacted on incidence, complications and deaths related to this disease. Prevention of HZ through vaccination is a priority to avoid the significant burden of its incidence and complications. Currently two HZ vaccines are available. The recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV), approved by the FDA in 2017 and Zoster Vaccine Live (ZVL) licensed in the United States by the FDA in 2006. The advisory committee on immunization practices (ACIP) preferentially recommends RZV. ZVL remains an option for prevention of HZ in immunocompetent adults aged ≥60 years, although the CMI tends to wane a few years after vaccination.

<p>Current Knowledge of Vaccinations in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients</p>

“…56 Indeed, given its better efficacy, RZV will certainly replace ZLV and therefore reduce the risk of HZ in vulnerable patients, including, those who are immunosuppressed. 57 Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Vaccine (MMR) and Varicella Vaccine (VAR)…”

Recombinant zoster vaccine (Shingrix®): a new option for the prevention of herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia

“…The German Standing Committee on Vaccination did not recommend LZV as a standard vaccination for the elderly [41], but did recommend RZV for HZ and PHN prevention in adults ≥ 60 years of age [42]. The national immunization guides of Austria and Canada recommend RZV for HZ prevention in individuals ≥ 50 years [43].…”

Rational Design of Live-Attenuated Vaccines against Herpes Simplex Viruses

“…A live-attenuated varicella-zoster virus (VZV) (human herpesvirus 3 (HHV-3) or chickenpox virus) vaccine is widely used worldwide and shown to be highly efficacious in controlling viral reactivation. Live varicella vaccine is generally safe and well-tolerated [ 32 ]. The success of the alphaherpesvirus VZV live-attenuated vaccines provides a primary example suggesting that a similar approach may be efficacious in combating herpes simplex infections which, like VZV, establish latency in neurons.…”