Resource Pack: CEA Herpes Zoster Vaccine

This resource pack on the cost-effectiveness of herpes zoster vaccination was curated to support Dr. Lisa Prosser's seminar on November 9, 2017 at the Center for Health Decision Science. Dr. Prosser discussed an economic evaluation of vaccination against herpes zoster.

Herpes zoster—more commonly known as shingles—presents a major burden for older Americans but, until recently, the only available vaccine (Zoster Vaccine Live, ZVL) was relatively ineffective past 10 years. A recently approved vaccine–herpes zoster subunit (HZ/su)--has shown efficacy at preventing shingles for significantly longer duration than ZVL.

Dr. Prosser’s team conducted a cost-effectiveness analysis to answer three questions: (1) is the new vaccine cost-effective compared to no vaccination; (2) is it cost-effective in those who have already received the old vaccine (ZVL); and (3) is it cost-effective when compared to ZVL (i.e., is it preferred to ZVL). They found that vaccination with the new vaccine provided good value, and would be considered to be cost-effective using standard benchmarks in the U.S. The findings were presented to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), whose recommendations are generally followed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to issue guidelines. Learn more about the seminar.

The resource pack contains selected news, editorials, and articles on vaccine efficacy, cost-effectiveness, and patient preferences. It is not intended to be a comprehensive review, but an opportunity for educators and students to learn more about the potential role of decision science to influence contemporary policy issues.