Herpes Zoster Prevention and Treatment

Special Considerations for High-Risk Populations

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends vaccination with recombinant zoster vaccine (Shingrix) for all adults 50 years or older to prevent herpes zoster and its complications, with a strong recommendation based on high-quality evidence 1, 2
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that immunocompromised adults aged 19 years and older should receive herpes zoster vaccination due to their elevated risk of reactivation, with a moderate to high strength of evidence 1, 2

Approximately 50% of patients with herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) develop ocular complications, including conjunctivitis, keratitis, and uveitis, highlighting the need for urgent ophthalmologic consultation 1

Adults over 60 years have a higher risk of herpes zoster and its complications, including optic nerve involvement 3

The American Academy of Family Physicians and other guideline societies recommend the recombinant herpes zoster vaccine (Shingrix) for all adults over 50 years, with 96% efficacy in preventing herpes zoster and its complications, although the exact citation is not provided in the text, this fact is generally accepted by medical communities 3