Varicella zoster virus redux.

Abstract

In May 2008, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the USA recommended the routine administration of a live-attenuated high-potency varicella zoster vaccine to all adults over 60 years of age without specific contraindications, for the prevention and attenuation of herpes zoster (HZ). Nevertheless, many physicians still consider this vaccine to be of marginal value. This is not a reasonable conclusion. This short article reviews available data.