Varicella-Zoster Virus | Adult and Adolescent Opportunistic Infection | AIDSinfo

Varicella-Zoster Virus | Adult and Adolescent Opportunistic Infection | AIDSinfo

Updates to the Varicella-Zoster Virus Disease Section of the Adult and Adolescent Opportunistic Infections Guidelines

The Varicella-Zoster Virus Disease section of the Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Opportunistic Infections in Adults and Adolescents with HIV has been updated. The Panel updated the text, epidemiology, and references throughout the section and made the following key changes:

• Guidance on the use of two available vaccines (recombinant zoster vaccine [RZV, Shingrix] and zoster vaccine live [ZVL, Zostavax]) to prevent herpes zoster (shingles) in persons with HIV aged 50 years and older is provided.
• RZV (Shingrix) is recommended to prevent herpes zoster using a two-dose schedule (intramuscular injection at Month 0 and Month 2) for adults with HIV aged 50 years and older.
• RZV is preferred over ZVL (Zostavax) for prevention of herpes zoster.
• If RZV is not available or cannot be given because of allergy or intolerance, ZVL can be given as a single subcutaneous dose among adults with CD4 counts ≥200 cells/mm³. ZVL is contraindicated for persons with CD4 counts < 200 cells/mm³.
• The clinical description and section on the treatment of ocular complications of varicella-zoster virus infection have been expanded.

September 18 is National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2015, an estimated 47% of Americans with diagnosed HIV were aged 50 and older. National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day highlights the challenges of HIV prevention, testing, treatment, and care that older adults face. For example, the management of HIV infection may be more complicated in older adults who also have age-related conditions, such as hypertension or diabetes. To learn more, visit the AIDSinfo National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day webpage [en español].