Which age group shows the highest efficacy of the recombinant herpes zoster vaccine?

The highest efficacy of the recombinant herpes zoster vaccine is observed in adults age 70 and older. This age group, particularly because they are at a greater risk for complications from herpes zoster (shingles) and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), benefits significantly from the vaccine.

Studies have demonstrated that the recombinant vaccine can reduce the incidence of herpes zoster and its associated complications in older adults. As age increases, the natural immunity to varicella-zoster virus diminishes, which makes vaccinations especially crucial in this demographic. Thus, the findings indicate that while the vaccine is effective in younger age groups, its efficacy peaks in those aged 70 and older, highlighting the importance of vaccination in this population to prevent shingles and its potentially debilitating outcomes.

In contrast, while the vaccine is beneficial for adults aged 50 or older, and efficacy is still present in those 60 and older, the data supports the idea that individuals aged 70 and above experience the greatest protection from the vaccine, making this age group the optimal target for vaccination efforts.