接种带状疱疹疫苗筑牢免疫屏障

Core Viewpoint - The newly approved indication for the recombinant shingles vaccine in China expands the vaccination target group from individuals aged 50 and above to those aged 18 and above who are at increased risk of shingles due to immunodeficiency or immunosuppression, providing a proactive prevention option for younger high-risk populations and strengthening the immune barrier for key groups in the city [2] Group 1: Shingles and Its Risks - Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which remains dormant in the body after childhood chickenpox and can reactivate when the immune system weakens, leading to painful rashes and potential long-term nerve pain [2] - Over 90% of adults carry the varicella-zoster virus, with approximately one-third experiencing shingles in their lifetime, resulting in over 6 million cases annually in China [2] Group 2: Increased Risk in Vulnerable Populations - The risk of shingles significantly increases in individuals over 50, those with chronic diseases, and those with weakened immune systems, such as patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, who are over four times more likely to develop shingles [3] - Chronic disease patients, including those with cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, face a higher risk of shingles, with diabetes patients having a risk increase of up to 60% [3][4] Group 3: Preventive Measures and Healthcare Integration - The approval of the shingles vaccine for a broader age group aligns with the "Healthy China 2030" initiative, emphasizing the importance of proactive disease management through vaccination [5] - Community health services play a crucial role in implementing preventive measures, with family doctors assessing disease risks and providing vaccine prescriptions to eligible adults [6]