Zostavax (zoster vaccine live) / Merck (MSD) - LARVOL DELTA

ZOSTAVAX in Persons Imminently Receiving Chemotherapy for Solid Organ Tumors (clinicaltrials.gov) - P4 | N=22 | Terminated | Sponsor: Louis Stokes VA Medical Center | Unknown status ➔ Terminated; unable to obtain samples of key groups to do any analysis.

Trial termination • Herpes Zoster • Infectious Disease • Oncology • Solid Tumor • Varicella Zoster

Effectiveness of pharmacist-delivered vaccination recommendations for herpes zoster: a systematic review. (PubMed, Front Public Health) - "Eight evaluated ZVL (Zostavax), whereas only one specifically assessed RZV (Shingrix) series completion. However, the current evidence base remains limited by the predominance of non-randomized studies and substantial risk of bias. Well-designed randomized and quasi-experimental studies are needed to determine the independent effectiveness of pharmacist-delivered vaccination recommendations."

Journal • Review • Herpes Zoster • Varicella Zoster

Safety profile of herpes zoster vaccines in the United States: a descriptive and disproportionality analysis of adverse events reported to the vaccine adverse event reporting system (VAERS), 2017-2024. (PubMed, Front Med (Lausanne)) - "Herpes zoster causes substantial morbidity in older adults, and US herpes zoster vaccination shifted from the live-attenuated Zostavax to the recombinant Shingrix after 2017 We describe the post-marketing adverse-event profile of these vaccines reported to the US Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) and identify events reported disproportionately for herpes zoster vaccines. Eight years of VAERS data are consistent with the recognized reactogenicity of the recombinant vaccine and the live-vaccine profile of Zostavax; most reported events were transient and non-serious. These hypothesis-generating disproportionality signals require confirmation in active surveillance with denominator data."

Adverse events • Journal • Herpes Zoster • Infectious Disease • Influenza • Pain • Respiratory Diseases • Varicella Zoster

Association Between Herpes Zoster Vaccination and Dementia Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. (PubMed, Vaccines (Basel)) - "HZV was associated with lower dementia risk in observational studies, with directionally consistent quasi-experimental findings. Direct evidence suggested potentially stronger inverse associations for RZV and complete vaccination, but was based on few independent data sources. Substantial heterogeneity and residual confounding preclude causal interpretation, and further prospective or randomized evidence is needed."

Journal • Retrospective data • Review • Alzheimer's Disease • CNS Disorders • Dementia • Herpes Zoster • Varicella Zoster

Adult immunization. (PubMed, Med Lett Drugs Ther) - No abstract available

Journal • Hepatitis B • Herpes Zoster • Infectious Disease • Inflammation • Influenza • Measles • Meningococcal Infections • Pertussis • Pneumococcal Infections • Respiratory Diseases • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections • Tetanus • Varicella Zoster

A Deep Dive into Shingles Prevention for IBD Patients (AOCC-IMKASID 2026) - "Compared with the live attenuated zoster vaccine (Zostavax), the recombinant zoster vaccine (Shingrix) provides several important advantages, including superior efficacy (>90%), durable long-term protection, and safety in immunocompromised individuals. In summary, the patients with IBD face a significantly increased risk of HZ, with a global meta-analysis demonstrating a 1.68-fold higher risk compared with non-IBD populations, while Korean nationwide HIRA data showed HZ cases more than doubled between 2016 and 2020; among advanced therapies, JAK inhibitors are associated with the highest HZ incidence, whereas recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV, Shin-grix) provides strong and durable protection with 97.2% efficacy in the ZOE-50 trial, sustained long-term efficacy of 87.7% over 11 years, and 73.4% vaccine effectiveness in real-world IBD populations, leading recent BSG, ACG, and ECCO 2025 guidelines to recommend RZV for patients with IBD, including adults aged ≥18 years..."

Clinical • Crohn's disease • Gastroenterology • Gastrointestinal Disorder • Herpes Zoster • Immunology • Infectious Disease • Inflammation • Inflammatory Bowel Disease • Neuralgia • Preventive care • Ulcerative Colitis • Varicella Zoster

A Deep Dive into Shingles Prevention for IBD Patients (AOCC-IMKASID 2026) - "Compared with the live attenuated zoster vaccine (Zostavax), the recombinant zoster vaccine (Shingrix) provides several important advantages, including superior efficacy (>90%), durable long-term protection, and safety in immunocompromised individuals. In summary, the patients with IBD face a significantly increased risk of HZ, with a global meta-analysis demonstrating a 1.68-fold higher risk compared with non-IBD populations, while Korean nationwide HIRA data showed HZ cases more than doubled between 2016 and 2020; among advanced therapies, JAK inhibitors are associated with the highest HZ incidence, whereas recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV, Shin-grix) provides strong and durable protection with 97.2% efficacy in the ZOE-50 trial, sustained long-term efficacy of 87.7% over 11 years, and 73.4% vaccine effectiveness in real-world IBD populations, leading recent BSG, ACG, and ECCO 2025 guidelines to recommend RZV for patients with IBD, including adults aged ≥18 years..."

Clinical • Crohn's disease • Gastroenterology • Gastrointestinal Disorder • Herpes Zoster • Immunology • Infectious Disease • Inflammation • Inflammatory Bowel Disease • Neuralgia • Preventive care • Ulcerative Colitis • Varicella Zoster

Uptake of Recombinant Zoster Vaccination in Patients with Inflammatory Arthritis Receiving Biologic Therapy (EULAR 2026) - "The live attenuated vaccine, Zostavax, introduced in 2013, had limited applicability in immunocompromised populations. The subsequent approval of the non- live recombinant subunit vaccine, Shingrix, in 2021 has enabled safer vaccination in this high-risk group...While certain biologic therapies, such as Janus kinase inhibitors and anifrolumab, are associated with a higher risk of herpes zoster, all disease- modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) confer some degree of vulnerability...Methods Eligible patients had rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis and were receiving a biologic DMARD (tumour necrosis factor inhibitors, interleukin-17 inhibitors, interleukin-6 inhibitors, rituximab, or Janus kinase inhibitors), with or without concomitant conventional synthetic DMARD therapy...9.2% of patients were taking concomitant csDMARD of which methotrexate was the most commonly prescribed...These findings underscore the need for systematic..."

Clinical • Ankylosing Spondylitis • Cardiovascular • Congestive Heart Failure • Coronary Artery Disease • Diabetes • Heart Failure • Hepatology • Herpes Zoster • Human Immunodeficiency Virus • Hypertension • Immunology • Inflammatory Arthritis • Influenza • Metabolic Disorders • Nephrology • Novel Coronavirus Disease • Psoriatic Arthritis • Respiratory Diseases • Rheumatoid Arthritis • Rheumatology • Seronegative Spondyloarthropathies • Varicella Zoster • IL17A • IL6

Annual immunisation coverage report 2024. (PubMed, Commun Dis Intell (2018)) - "Zoster vaccination coverage (one dose of Zostavax or two doses of Shingrix given at least 4 weeks apart) was 45.9% for adults aged ≥ 65 years in 2024. This can then be used to inform evidence-based and culturally appropriate strategies to increase vaccine uptake and coverage equity. The National Immunisation Strategy for Australia 2025-2030 provides a comprehensive framework to guide such measures and improve coverage - and hence the protection provided by vaccine programs - against disease."

Journal • Herpes Zoster • Infectious Disease • Influenza • Meningococcal Infections • Pertussis • Respiratory Diseases • Tetanus

BMS-188667: The Immunogenicity and Safety of Zostavax® and Shingrix® in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Using Abatacept (clinicaltrials.gov) - P2 | N=154 | Completed | Sponsor: Kevin Winthrop | Active, not recruiting ➔ Completed

Trial completion • Herpes Zoster • Immunology • Inflammation • Inflammatory Arthritis • Rheumatoid Arthritis • Rheumatology • Varicella Zoster

Comparative Effectiveness of Recombinant Zoster and Live Attenuated Zoster Vaccines in Chronic Inflammatory Skin Diseases: A Retrospective Cohort Study. (PubMed, J Med Virol) - "RZV is more effective than LAV in preventing HZ and its complications such as ophthalmic zoster and postherpetic neuralgia among patients with CISDs. These findings provide real-world evidence that prioritize RZV use in this population."

Clinical • HEOR • Journal • Retrospective data • Atopic Dermatitis • Dermatitis • Dermatology • Herpes Zoster • Hidradenitis Suppurativa • Immunology • Infectious Disease • Inflammation • Neuralgia • Ophthalmology • Pain • Psoriasis • Varicella Zoster • Vitiligo

Blistering Eruption on the Subcontinent: The Looming Public Health Threat of Herpes Zoster, 'Shingles' in India and the Urgent need for Vaccination. (PubMed, Indian J Community Med) - "Despite the global recommendation of zoster vaccines-Zostavax and Shingrix-for individuals above 50 years of age, India has yet to incorporate them into its national immunization program. It emphasizes the need for comprehensive community-based studies, and public awareness initiatives to drive vaccine uptake. Future advancements in vaccine technology and policy shifts will play a key role in determining the feasibility of large-scale implementation in India, ultimately improving health outcomes and quality of life for millions."

Journal • Herpes Zoster • Infectious Disease • Neuralgia • Pain • Varicella Zoster

Towards personalized vaccine repurposing for Alzheimer's prevention: genotype-specific protective association of the shingles vaccine with odds of Alzheimer's disease in participants of two large cohort studies. (PubMed, BMC Neurol) - No abstract available

Journal • Alzheimer's Disease • CNS Disorders • Herpes Zoster • Infectious Disease • Varicella Zoster

A self-assembling ferritin nanoparticle-based trivalent vaccine of gB/gE/gH elicits potent immune responses against varicella-zoster virus. (PubMed, Int J Biol Macromol) - "ZOSTAVAX (live attenuated) and Shingrix (protein subunit) are the main vaccines against varicella-zoster virus (VZV). In a head-to-head comparison with Shingrix, this trivalent vaccine elicited robust glycoprotein-specific IgG titers (≥106), high neutralizing antibody levels (FRNT₅₀ > 103), strong B cell responses, and comparable cytokine production by antigen-specific T cells (IFN-γ, IL-2, TNF-α). These findings demonstrate our trivalent nanoparticle vaccine offers a promising alternative to current VZV vaccines, combining broad antigen coverage with a potentially improved safety profile."

Journal • Herpes Zoster • Inflammation • Varicella Zoster • IFNG • IL2 • TNFA

Disparities in uptake of Shingrix® vaccine in immunosuppressed individuals in England: a population-based cohort study. (PubMed, Vaccine) - "Our study highlights suboptimal Shingrix® vaccine uptake during initial UK roll-out to immunosuppressed adults. Both relative and absolute differences reveal particularly low uptake among older people, those living with dementia or severe mental illness, and individuals from more deprived or minority ethnic backgrounds. Our results suggest a need for targeted strategies to improve access and reduce disparities in this vulnerable group."

Journal • Alzheimer's Disease • CNS Disorders • Dementia • Herpes Zoster • Infectious Disease • Influenza • Respiratory Diseases • Varicella Zoster

Developing Topics. (PubMed, Alzheimers Dement) - "There was a statistically significant reduction in the risk of new-onset dementia, AD, and VD associated with a two-dose RZV regimen."

Journal • Alzheimer's Disease • CNS Disorders • Dementia • Herpes Zoster • Preventive care • Varicella Zoster

Low influenza, pneumococcal and herpes zoster vaccination coverage in Australian patients commencing a biologic or targeted synthetic disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug for inflammatory arthritis: a nationwide cross-sectional data linkage study. (PubMed, Rheumatol Int) - "Only 9.7% (n = 1500/15,460) received a pneumococcal vaccine and 2.4% (n = 367/15,460) received HZ vaccination (Zostavax or Shingrix) within 6 months of b/tsDMARD commencement. Vaccination rates in patients initiating a b/tsDMARD for the treatment of inflammatory arthritis in Australia should be improved. This may also apply to patients with IA in other countries."

Journal • Herpes Zoster • Immunology • Infectious Disease • Inflammatory Arthritis • Influenza • Pneumococcal Infections • Pneumonia • Respiratory Diseases • Rheumatology • Varicella Zoster

Drug repurposing for Alzheimer's disease: a Delphi consensus and stakeholder consultation. (PubMed, Alzheimers Res Ther) - "This Delphi consensus identified three high-priority drug repurposing candidates for AD with favourable safety profiles and mechanistic plausibility, which are considered suitable for pragmatic clinical trials, including remote or hybrid designs. The PROTECT platform, which supports international cohorts in the UK, Norway, and Canada, offers a well-established means to conduct such trials effectively, thus helping to accelerate the evaluation and potential deployment of these drug candidates to benefit individuals with or at risk for AD."

Journal • Review • Alzheimer's Disease • CNS Disorders • Dementia • Herpes Zoster • Varicella Zoster

Vaccination Against Herpes Zoster in Adults: Current Strategies in European Union Countries. (PubMed, Vaccines (Basel)) - "An overall tendency toward broader HZ vaccination strategies, targeting both older adults and risk groups, is emerging. However, differences among national policies, together with the European Commission's withdrawal of the live-attenuated Zostavax vaccine effective 1 June 2025, highlight the urgent need for comprehensive, harmonized immunization strategies to ensure adequate coverage of adult HZ vaccination across Europe."

Journal • Review • Herpes Zoster • Infectious Disease • Varicella Zoster

BMS-188667: The Immunogenicity and Safety of Zostavax® and Shingrix® in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Using Abatacept (clinicaltrials.gov) - P2 | N=154 | Active, not recruiting | Sponsor: Kevin Winthrop | Trial completion date: Sep 2026 ➔ Feb 2026

Trial completion date • Herpes Zoster • Immunology • Inflammation • Inflammatory Arthritis • Rheumatoid Arthritis • Rheumatology • Varicella Zoster

Real-world safety of herpes zoster vaccines: A pharmacovigilance study based on the vaccine adverse event reporting system (may 2006-december 2024). (PubMed, Vaccine) - "These findings provide reassuring real-world evidence supporting RZV's clinical safety."

Adverse events • Journal • Real-world evidence • Herpes Zoster • Ophthalmology • Varicella Zoster

Bibliometric analysis and visualization mapping of herpes zoster vaccine publications from 1999 to 2024. (PubMed, Front Med (Lausanne)) - "The live attenuated zoster vaccine (ZVL, Zostavax) reduces HZ risk by 51% and PHN by 65% in adults ≥60 years. The recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV, Shingrix) shows approximately 90% efficacy in adults ≥50 years...Frequently used keywords included "herpes zoster," "vaccination," "postherpetic neuralgia," "efficacy," "subunit vaccine," and "safety". This bibliometric study comprehensively summarizes HZ vaccine research over 25 years, offering insights to guide future research and clinical practice."

Journal • Review • Dermatology • Herpes Zoster • Neuralgia • Pain • Varicella Zoster

Influenza, pneumococcal and herpes zoster vaccination coverage in Australian patients commencing a biologic or targeted synthetic disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug for inflammatory arthritis (EULAR 2025) - "Only 2.4% (n=367/15 460) of patients received HZ vaccination (Zostavax or Shingrix) within 6 months of b/tsDMARD commencement. Vaccination rates in patients initiating a b/tsDMARD for the treatment of inflammatory arthritis in Australia should be improved."

Clinical • Ankylosing Spondylitis • Herpes Zoster • Immunology • Infectious Disease • Inflammatory Arthritis • Influenza • Pneumococcal Infections • Pneumonia • Psoriatic Arthritis • Respiratory Diseases • Rheumatoid Arthritis • Rheumatology • Seronegative Spondyloarthropathies • Spondylarthritis • Varicella Zoster

Long-term immunogenicity of a live attenuated herpes zoster vaccine in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. (PubMed, Vaccine) - "Immunogenicity of Zostavax in stable SLE patients is largely retained at 5 years."

Journal • Herpes Zoster • Immunology • Inflammatory Arthritis • Lupus • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus • Varicella Zoster • IFNG

Herpes zoster infection in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. (PubMed, Korean J Intern Med) - "Shingrix, a recombinant zoster vaccine, is generally preferred because of its high efficacy (> 90%) and safety profile in immunocompromised individuals, unlike the live attenuated zoster vaccine (Zostavax). Given the higher incidence of HZ in certain populations, such as those in Korea, vaccination recommendations should be adapted accordingly. Further research is needed to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of Shingrix in younger patients with IBD to ensure sustained protection and prevent complications, such as postherpetic neuralgia."

Journal • Review • Crohn's disease • Gastroenterology • Gastrointestinal Disorder • Genetic Disorders • Herpes Zoster • Immunology • Infectious Disease • Inflammation • Inflammatory Bowel Disease • Neuralgia • Pain • Ulcerative Colitis • Varicella Zoster