Updated recommendations on Herpes Zoster vaccination for adults who are immunocompromised - Canada

An Advisory Committee Statement (ACS) National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) - Updated recommendations on Herpes Zoster vaccination for adults who are immunocompromised

NACI’s most recent statement on the use of the recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV, Shingrix®) was published on August 30, 2018, and recommended that RZV should be offered to immunocompetent adults aged 50 and older (Strong NACI recommendation) and may be considered for adults 50 years of age and older who are immunocompromised (Discretionary NACI Recommendation). At the time, the rationale for the different strengths of recommendation was the lack of data on use of RZV in individuals who are immunocompromised, and NACI planned to revisit the guidance after more evidence had accumulated. On November 24, 2021, Health Canada authorized RZV for adults 18 years of age or older who are or will be at increased risk of HZ due to immunodeficiency or immunosuppression caused by known disease or therapy. Based on the update to the authorized indication for RZV, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) requested that NACI review the existing recommendations and accumulated evidence supporting the use of RZV in individuals aged 18 years and older who are immunocompromised.

Guidance Objective:
The objective of this advisory committee statement is to review evidence and provide updated guidance on the recommended use of RZV in adults aged 18 years and older who are immunocompromised.


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