UK First Major European Country To Run Zostavax Nationwide Shingles Vaccination Programme

Date: Jan-24-2013Vaccine to be given to UK seniors to help protect against shingles

The UK has decided to launch the first-ever national shingles immunisation campaign in
Europe using the innovative Zostavax vaccine from Sanofi Pasteur MSD, the joint venture in
Europe between MSD and Sanofi Pasteur.

Eligible senior members of the public will be able to receive the Zostavax vaccine
during regular health visits or at the same time as their seasonal flu jab. The decision
from the UK's Department of Health follows a comprehensive assessment of the health and
economic benefits of shingles vaccination.

Zostavax is the first and only vaccine available for the prevention of shingles and
the long lasting nerve pain that may follow the disease, known as post herpetic neuralgia.
The vaccine is licensed in Europe for immunisation of adults over 50 years* and can be
given as a single injection.

Shingles is a painful and debilitating disease that affects around one in four[1],[2]
people during their life time. Anyone who has had chickenpox (95 % of the European
population[3]) is potentially at risk as it is caused by the reactivation of the
chickenpox (varicella) virus that most people get during childhood.

Shingles is typically characterised by an extremely painful rash and blisters on the
skin and it can lead to serious complications such as post-herpetic neuralgia, a painful
and long-lasting condition caused by damage to the nerves by the virus. The risk and
severity of shingles and post-herpetic neuralgia increase with age and 2/3 of shingles
cases occur in people over 50 years[4].

"Until the introduction of Zostavax, there was nothing we could do to protect
ourselves against this painful and debilitating disease," said Jean-Paul Kress, President
of Sanofi Pasteur MSD. "We're very pleased that the UK Department of Health has recognized
the importance of vaccinating against shingles and we look forward to more partnerships in
Europe for immunisation with this truly innovative product."

Zostavax has been used in the United States since 2006 and in Canada since 2009 and
more than 11 million doses of the vaccine have been distributed since its launch.

* immunocompetent adults (SmPC)

Courtesy: Medical News Today Note: Any medical information available in this news section is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional.