Episode 182: The herpes zoster vaccine, the numbers, the decisions

In episode 182, the Mikes and James talk about the evidence behind the zoster vaccine. We give all the numbers you could possibly want to discuss this with your patients so that they can help you make up your mind what is best for them. As always, the greater the risk the greater the potential benefit. At the end of the podcast the Mikes wrap James in barbwire in an attempt to demonstrate to the listening audience the concept of post-herpetic neuralgia.

Show notes

1. Zoster vaccine evidence

N Engl J Med 2005;352:2271-84

Clinical Infectious Diseases 2012 (in press)

Clinical Infectious Diseases 2012;54:922–8

Ann Intern Med 2010;152:545-54

2. Zoster incidence etc

Can J Infect Dis Med Microbiol 2010;21:45-52 

CMAJ 2010. DOI:10.1503/cmaj.091711

BMJ 2000;321:1–4

Journal of Infectious Diseases 2012;206:190–6

Mayo Clin Proc 2011;86:88-93

National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) 2010; 36: 1-19. Accessed October 15, 2012. http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/ccdr-rmtc/10vol36/acs-1/index-eng.php

MMWR 2008; 57(5):1-30. Accessed October 15, 2012. http://www.cdc.gov/MMWR/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5705a1.htm