Recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) second-dose series completion in adults aged 50–64 years in the United States

Abstract

In 2018, CDC recommended a highly efficacious adjuvanted recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) as a 2-dose series for prevention of herpes zoster (HZ) for immunocompetent persons age ≥ 50 years, with the 2nd dose recommended 2–6 months after the 1st dose. We estimated second-dose RZV series completion in the U.S. among 50–64-year-olds using two administrative databases. Second-dose RZV series completion was ∼70% within 6-months and 80% within 12-months of first dose. Among those who received only 1 RZV dose with at least 12 months of follow-up time, 96% had a missed opportunity for a second-dose vaccination, defined as a provider or pharmacy visit, among whom 36% had a visit for influenza or pneumococcal vaccination within 2–12 months of their first-dose of RZV. We found that RZV series completion rates in 50–64-year-olds was high. Availability of RZV at pharmacies has potentially helped increase series completion, but missed opportunities remain.