The new vaccine against Herpes Zoster is now available in Argentina

GSK announced the launch of its vaccine for the prevention of Herpes Zoster – colloquially known as shingles – a disease caused by the reactivation of Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox. In Argentina, it is estimated that approximately 90% of adults have suffered from chickenpox at some point in their lives and are therefore at risk of developing Herpes Zoster. Initially, the vaccine will be available in Argentina for adults over 50 years of age and people over 18 years of age with an increasing risk of suffering from Herpes Zoster, such as those who are immunocompromised. It is estimated that 1 in 3 people will develop Herpes Zoster in their lifetime, and that the risk of suffering from the disease increases from 40 to 50 years and continues to increase every year. By the age of 85, the risk of developing shingles increases to 1 in 2 people. Also, the incidence of Herpes Zoster in immunocompromised populations grows exponentially. Recent data show that vaccine efficacy is greater than 90% from the time of vaccination until at least 10 years later. Since its first approval in the U.S. and Canada in 2017 for the prevention of Shingles in adults age 50 and older, the vaccine has been approved in more than 40 countries. In several countries, including the US, the European Union and now Argentina, it has also been approved for adults over the age of 18 with an increased risk of developing Shingles. Immunocompromised people have an increased risk of contracting Herpes Zoster and associated complications, making this the only vaccine against Herpes Zoster approved for this at-risk population.” Shingles is a disease that can cause very intense pain. The vaccine has been designed to enhance the immune response against the virus in people 50 years of age or older or in those over 18 years of age who are immunocompromised,” said Dr. María Seoane, Medical Director of Argentina and Uruguay. “We are pleased that Argentina now has access to the vaccine to help reduce the chances of suffering from this painful disease.” The vaccine is administered in 2 doses and is the first approved Herpes Zoster vaccine that combines an inactivated antigen, with an adjuvant specifically designed to trigger a directed, strong and sustained immune response. Shingles, also colloquially called shingles, is a disease caused by the reactivation of Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person gets chickenpox, the virus lies dormant in their nervous system, usually causing no symptoms until it reactivates. Usually the first symptoms of Shingles are itching, pain, tingling, uncomfortable sensation or sensitivity to touch in the chest, abdomen or face. After the first days, the acute phase of the disease begins, in which the skin rash appears, with blisters on the affected areas, accompanied by acute pain.  After about 10 days, the vesicles become crusts that usually last 2 to 4 weeks. For them it is important to consult at the first symptoms, in order to establish the appropriate treatment. Following the rash, the person may also experience postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a long-lasting neuropathic pain that lasts from at least three months to several years. PHN is the most common complication of Herpes Zoster and occurs in up to 5-30% of all cases of Herpes Zoster, depending on age. The launch in Argentina is part of GSK’s ongoing commitment to expand patient protection alternatives against Herpes Zoster and ensure the availability of this vaccine in the country. For more information, ask your doctor about preventing and treating shingles. 

Original source in Spanish