As of March 2018, an adjuvanted subunit total vaccine (containing glycoprotein E of the pathogen) has been approved for the prevention of herpes zoster (HZ) and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) in persons 50 years of age and older. This has a high protective effect even in older age groups and, in addition to good safety, has a longer duration of protection (at least 10 years).
The vaccination is a standard and indicated vaccination in Germany.
For the prevention of herpes zoster, attention must also be paid to reducing the risk factors.
Behavioral risk factors (= increased risk of zoster).
- Consumption of stimulants
- Alcohol
- Tobacco (smoking, passive smoking)
- Overweight (BMI ≥ 25; obesity).