Addressing barriers to and strategies for herpes zoster vaccination in immunocompromised patients in Türkiye: an expert consensus

Abstract

ObjectivesImmunocompromised (IC) patients are at increased risk of herpes zoster (HZ; i.e. shingles) and subsequent complications which can significantly impact quality of life. While current evidence indicates a strong disease presence of HZ in T & uuml;rkiye, literature on the management of HZ in this population is lacking.MethodsWe conducted a survey with 6 disease experts from various medical specialties in T & uuml;rkiye to understand their opinions on the burden of HZ and the challenges faced by IC patients, in order to establish a comprehensive and evidence-based expert consensus.ResultsExperts agreed that the burden of HZ is significant among IC patients in T & uuml;rkiye. However, they identified a need for increased local epidemiological data to better understand the health impact of HZ in T & uuml;rkiye. Improved dissemination of information regarding HZ to physicians was also highlighted to increase awareness of HZ.ConclusionsStrategies to enhance current practices and increase vaccine coverage should include incorporation of HZ vaccination into official guidelines and recommendations, with full or partial reimbursement for HZ vaccination in IC patients. Setting up official or society-initiated online platforms could also support ongoing collaboration and provide continuously updated guidelines reflecting the latest advances in HZ vaccination and disease management.