Albert is a 61-year-old man who wants to receive the herpes zoster vaccine. He is up to date on his other immunizations and repo
rts receiving his inactivated influenza vaccine two weeks ago. What would be the best recommendation to make regarding the herpes zoster vaccine for Albert?
The herpes zoster vaccine consists of the attenuated varicella zoster virus - the same immunizer used in the chickenpox vaccine, but with a larger amount of antigens. The vaccine activates the immune system to help protect you from herpes zoster. The risk of developing the disease appears to be related to decreased varicella zoster virus (VZV) specific immunity. The vaccine has been shown to increase VZV specific immunity. This immunity is considered to be the mechanism that protects the body against herpes zoster and its complications.
This vaccine is intended for people over 50 and is contraindicated for anyone who is allergic to any of the ingredients (this includes an allergy to gelatin or neomycin), has an impaired immune system, or uses corticosteroids or other medicines that reduce the responsiveness of the immune system, have untreated active tuberculosis, or are pregnant. Albert is 61 years old and has none of the contraindications, so we can conclude that he can get herpes zoster vaccine.
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