People who have had a previous episode of herpes zoster can receive zoster vaccine

People who have had a previous episode of herpes zoster can receive zoster vaccine at the recommended age.

For up to 8 years after an initial episode of zoster, the risk of a repeat episode in immunocompetent people is 6–8%.^9,16,17 Note that a history of previous zoster may be inaccurate.

It is suggested that immunocompetent people should wait at least 12 months after an episode of herpes zoster before they receive a zoster vaccine. An episode of herpes zoster boosts cellular and humoral immunity above baseline levels in most people. Studies suggest that this boost persists for at least 1 year and up to 3 years,¹⁸ and a lower recurrence rate is observed in the first 12 months¹⁴ after the initial episode. Studies have not established an optimal time for vaccination after zoster, but no safety or immunogenicity concerns have been identified.^19,20

Immunocompromised people are at higher risk of recurrence of zoster^4,5,12,13 and can receive Shingrix from 3 months after the acute illness. The length of this interval should be determined on an individual basis and should consider:

• the uncertainty about duration of protection after vaccination in people who are immunocompromised
• the absence of recommendations for booster doses later in life

Shingrix is funded through the NIP for non-Indigenous people aged ≥65 years, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged ≥50 years and people aged ≥18 years with moderate or severe immunocompromising conditions that put them at the highest risk of herpes zoster.