This article discusses herpes zoster, the condition and its complications as well as the benefits, risks and challenges associated with the herpes zoster vaccine.

Written by Dr John Litt MB.BS DRACOG MSc (Epid.)(McMaster) FRACGP FAFPHM PhD (Flinders), Prof Tony Cunningham AO FAHMS, FRACP, FRCPA, FASM and Prof Paul Van Buynder MBBS MPH FAFPHM

Dr John Litt is an Associate Professor in General Practice at Flinders University and public health physician. He is the Deputy Chairman of the National Quality Committee of the RACGP. His major clinical and research interests are in prevention and its implementation. He has over 100 refereed publications.

Professor Tony Cunningham AO is the Director, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research. He trained as an infectious diseases physician and microbiologist and has an international reputation in basic and clinical viral research, including vaccines for Herpesviruses especially Herpes Zoster. He also serves on Vaccine Advisory Boards for Merck, Seqirus (bioCSL) and GSK.

Professor Van Buynder is a public health physician on the Gold Coast and a Professor in the School of Medicine at Griffith University. He is also the Chairman of the Australian Immunisation Coalition. He has worked in senior public health positions in a number of Australian states, in Canada and at the Centre for Infections in the United Kingdom. His research interests include vaccine effectiveness studies and strategies to overcome vaccine hesitancy. He has published over 50 refereed articles and book chapters.

Click here to download the full reference list and author’s competing interest statement.