(American Medical Association (AMA), 2017) Dommasch, Erica; Joyce, Cara J.; Mostaghimi, Arash
Question What is the effect of vaccination on emergency department utilization for herpes zoster?
Findings In this population-based, descriptive epidemiologic study of more than 1.3 million herpes zoster–related emergency department visits from 2006 through 2013, the overall rate of visits rose by 8.3%, driven by an increased number of visits by patients aged 20 to 59 years; populations recommended for vaccination (aged <20 and ≥60 years) demonstrated a decrease in utilization. Herpes zoster annual incidence rates fell after the recommended use of the herpes zoster vaccine in 2008 in patients 60 years or older.
Meaning Vaccination may be associated with a reduction of emergency department utilization for herpes zoster.
