A critical appraisal of 'Shingrix', a novel herpes zoster subunit vaccine (HZ/Su or GSK1437173A) for varicella zoster virus. Issue 8 (3rd August 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bharucha, Tehmina; Ming, Damien; Breuer, Judith
• Is Part Of: Human vaccines & immunotherapeutics. Volume 13:Issue 8(2017)
• Page Start: 1789
• Page End: 1797
• Publication Date: 2017-08-03
• Subjects: immunisation/vaccination -- public health -- shingles -- varicella/herpes zoster virus; Vaccines -- Periodicals; 615.372
• DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2017.1317410
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2164-5515

Abstract

ABSTRACT: HZ/Su, branded as 'Shingrix', is one of the newest vaccines to be submitted for multi-national regulatory approval. It is targeted to prevent shingles, a global concern with aging populations. A live attenuated vaccine for shingles has been available for over a decade, however it is contraindicated in specific subgroups of people, and there are added concerns regarding long-term immunogenicity. HZ/Su is the first subunit vaccine developed to protect against shingles. This paper provides a critical appraisal of current evidence regarding HZ/Su.