A new review from CDC researchers shows how few older Americans were vaccinated against shingles before approval of the recombinant zoster vaccine.

The report in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine recounts how, in 2006, zoster vaccine live was recommended for adults aged 60 years and older and, then, in 2011, was approved for use but not recommended for adults aged 50 to 59 years. Study authors sought to assess zoster vaccine live coverage among adults aged 50 to 59 years and those aged 60 years and older.

To do that, the researchers analyzed data from the 2013-2017 National Health Interview Surveys in 2019 to estimate national zoster vaccine live coverage among adults aged 50 years and older. State-specific zoster vaccine live coverage in that cohort was assessed using 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data.

Results indicate that, among adults aged 50 to 59 years, zoster vaccine live coverage was 5.7% in 2017, ranging from 4% to 6% during 2013-2017 (test for trend, P >.05). Zoster vaccine live coverage among adults aged 50 to 59 years ranged from 5.8% in Pennsylvania to 14.7% in South Dakota. 

By 2017, zoster vaccine live was received by 34.9% of adults aged 60 years and older, a significant increase from 24.2% in 2013. Uptake varied considerably by state, however. The study notes that zoster vaccine live coverage among adults aged 60 years and older in 2017 ranged from 26.0% in Mississippi to 51.8% in Vermont.

The authors point out that, in 2017, major characteristics significantly associated with increased likelihood of zoster vaccine live vaccination among adults aged 50 to 59 years and aged 60 years and older were greater age, having four to nine physician contacts in the past 12 months, and having a usual place for healthcare.

“This study provides an assessment of zoster vaccine live coverage among adults aged ≥50 years before the newly recommended recombinant zoster vaccine came into widespread use,” the authors conclude. “Providers should routinely assess adults’ vaccination status and strongly recommend or offer needed vaccines to their patients.”

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