The Epidemiology of Herpes Zoster in the United States During the Era of Varicella and Herpes Zoster Vaccines: Changing Patterns Among Older Adults

Clin Infect Dis. 2019 Jul 2;69(2):341-344. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciy953.

Abstract

Historic herpes zoster incidence trends in US adults have been hard to interpret. Using administrative databases, we extended previous descriptions of these trends through 2016. We observed an age-specific transition, with ongoing increases among younger adults but deceleration in older adults. The patterns are not readily explained.

Keywords: shingles; vaccine; zoster.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Chickenpox Vaccine / administration & dosage
  • Chickenpox Vaccine / immunology*
  • Female
  • Herpes Zoster / epidemiology*
  • Herpes Zoster / prevention & control*
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Retrospective Studies
  • United States / epidemiology

Substances

  • Chickenpox Vaccine