Trends in Herpes Zoster Infection in Saudi Arabia; A Call for Expanding Access to Shingles Vaccination

Abstract

Background: Data on Herpes Zoster (HZ) incidence and complications in Saudi Arabia (KSA) are unknown. We aim to evaluate the trends in HZ cases and complications in Saudi Arabia to aid decision makers in optimizing vaccine access. Methods: A retrospective survey was conducted among patients with history of HZ throughout KSA between June and December 2021. 68 patients were included and data were collected by online questionnaire and telephone interviews. Results: Females were predominantly affected by HZ. Overall mean age at diagnosis was 39.43±16.50 years. Among all the symptoms; painful blisters were frequently reported in 81% of participants. Symptoms continued for <30 days in two-thirds of the participants, while others remained symptomatic for a longer period. Most females, 40 (59%), were non-pregnant or lactating at time of the infection. Medications used were analgesics, antiviral drug therapy and herbal remedies with 36 (53%) using analgesics alone. The majority of participants, 56 (82%), were not vaccinated against HZ. Conclusion: HZ is a prevalent condition affecting a wide range of patients including geriatrics. Available vaccine products help in reducing both the incidence of HZ and its complications. With the given efficacy of the vaccine products, vaccine access should be widened across KSA. Keywords: Herpes Zoster, Healthcare, Vaccination, Shingles, Public Health

Reactivation of Herpes Zoster After Recombinant Vaccine (Shingrix): A Case Report

“…Similarly, major depression is also associated with a decrease in CMI specifically in VZV [ 14 ]. Females were also at increased risk for HZ reactivation with no clear evidence behind this gender difference [ 15 ]. In addition to old age, depression, female gender, and diabetics were also proven to be associated with increased risk secondary to attenuation in several immunological defense mechanisms including CMI, and innate and adaptive immunity [ 16 ].…”

Acceptability of Herpes Zoster Vaccination among Patients with Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study in Saudi Arabia

“…Our results demonstrate that one-quarter of the participants had the intention to receive the HZ vaccine in the Qassim region of Saudi Arabia. Although this rate is low, it is still higher than the rate of 4.5% in Riyadh and 18% in the whole Kingdom among patients with a history of HZ [ 4 , 21 ]. Our findings are consistent with the coverage rate in Greece, which was reported as 26.3% for the HZ vaccine among individuals with diabetes aged 60 years and older [ 22 ].…”