Researchers Assess Incidence of Shingles Vaccination Among Individuals with Asthma

Asthma is a recognized risk factor for shingles; however, research is limited on the association of a shingles vaccine among individuals with asthma. To assess the evidence of vaccination, researchers conducted a study using a multivariable logistic regression model to evaluate trends and factors connected with shingles vaccination among US adults with asthma.¹

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Shingles, medically known as herpes zoster, is developed following the reactivation of the varicella zoster infection (VZV), which is the same infection that causes chicken pox. Shingles typically presents as a painful rash illness that is estimated to impact 1 million individuals each year in the US, according to the CDC. In most cases, individuals only develop shingles once in their lifetime; however, the illness can reoccur.²

To prevent shingles infection, 2 vaccines were approved the US—Zostavax (Merck) and Shingrix (GSK). The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended all adults 50 years and older receive a vaccine in 2017, which expanded from their initial recommendation of adults 60 years and older from 2008.¹

Following the updated recommendations, shingles vaccination among individuals 60 years and older increased from 6.75% to 34.5% between 2008 to 2018. However, the study authors noted disparities in age, sex, race, ethnicity, and income related to vaccination rates.¹

The risk of developing shingles increases with age, medical conditions that impact the immune system, along with medications that do not allow the immune system to work properly.² However, in a previously conducted meta-analysis, researchers found that asthma was an additional risk factor for shingles in adults. The study authors noted that the results found a 95% risk ratio for individuals with asthma, putting them at an elevated risk of developing shingles.¹

According to data reported by the CDC, as of 2021, around 24,963,874 individuals have asthma, increasing the risk for shingles.³

“Given the increased risks of herpes zoster among patients with asthma, implementing preventive care with vaccination may be beneficial,” said the study authors.¹

The current study used data from the 2008 to 2023 National Health Interview Survey—a nationally representative, cross-sectional household survey conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics. The study included 20,664 individuals 50 years and older with asthma, which represented around 8.6 million US adults with asthma.¹

The results found that, among the individuals included in the study from 2008 to 2023, an increase of shingles vaccination was reported, changing from 6.1% in 2008 to 42.8% in 2023 for individuals with asthma (average annual percent change = 13.48; 95 % CI, 9.35, 17.77; P < 0.01).¹

Despite the increase, the study authors noted that disparities in shingles vaccination rates remained present, including age, sex, race/ethnicity, region, educational level, income, asthma control, and flu vaccination. To continue the rise of shingles vaccine among high-risk patients with asthma, monitoring vaccination rates are essential to ensure the highlighted population are not placed at further risk.¹

“Disparities in several characteristics exist, underscoring the necessity for targeted policies and interventions to promote equity in herpes zoster vaccination rates,” said study authors.¹

REFERENCES

1. Hung CT, W LM, H YC. Trends and characteristics of herpes zoster vacciantion among older adults with asthma in the United States, 2008-2023: findings from self-reported national surveys. 2024. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.126523

2. Ferruggia K. Shingles Vaccine Could Protect Cardiovascular Health. Pharmacy Times. November 15, 2024. Accessed November 19, 2024. https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/shingles-vaccine-could-protect-cardiovascular-health

3. Most Recent National Asthma Data. CDC. May 10, 2023. Accessed November 19, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/asthma/most_recent_national_asthma_data.htm