Hanoi, Vietnam – On November 21, the Vietnam Medical Association, in partnership with GSK Vietnam Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., hosted a roundtable event in Hanoi to address the importance of adult immunisation and shingles prevention. The gathering brought together top experts in nephrology, respiratory medicine, endocrinology, and rheumatic diseases to discuss the growing health challenges faced by adults, particularly the issue of immunosenescence and the rising burden of chronic diseases.
One of the key highlights of the event was the launch of the “Shingles Prevention with Vaccination” guidebook. Designed for healthcare professionals, this comprehensive resource aims to provide clear guidelines for preventing shingles in adults, particularly those aged 50 and older, as well as individuals with chronic conditions. The guidebook consolidates information on the pathology, complications, and epidemiology of shingles, and offers updated preventive measures specifically tailored to the Vietnamese population.
Professor Dr. Nguyen Van Kinh, Vice President of the Vietnam Medical Association, emphasized the importance of vaccination in shingles prevention. “Vaccination for shingles has been a medical solution since 2006 and has been implemented in over 50 countries, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, since 2017,” he noted. “This guidebook will serve as a crucial resource for healthcare professionals to help patients, particularly those with underlying health conditions, prevent shingles.”
According to Vietnam’s Ministry of Health’s Preventive Medicine Department, the country has approximately 22 million individuals aged 18-69 living with chronic diseases, many of which are non-communicable, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cancer.
Research indicates that one in three adults will experience shingles at some point in their lives. Over 90% of individuals aged 50 and older carry the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) in their nervous system, putting them at greater risk of reactivation and developing shingles. The disease can lead to serious complications, including postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), which causes lingering pain for months after the rash has healed. In some cases, shingles can result in vision or hearing loss, particularly when the infection affects the eyes or ears. Furthermore, studies have linked shingles to an increased risk of cardiovascular complications, such as stroke.
Professor Dr. Tran Huu Dang, President of the Vietnam Endocrinology and Diabetes Association, highlighted the significance of shingles prevention, especially for those with diabetes. “Shingles not only causes severe and prolonged pain, but it can also disrupt blood sugar control and negatively impact quality of life,” he said. “Proactive prevention is vital to safeguard the health of diabetic patients and prevent further complications.”
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, occurs when the dormant VZV, which causes chickenpox, is reactivated in the body. The condition often presents as painful, itchy, or tingling blisters on one side of the body, and its duration can range from two to four weeks. The disease can lead to long-term pain and complications, particularly in older adults and those with weakened immune systems. In addition to the physical suffering, shingles also places a significant economic burden on healthcare systems.
Experts also discussed the complexities of treating shingles and its complications, such as postherpetic neuralgia. Early antiviral treatment within 72 hours of symptom onset is critical, yet challenging in practice. Current treatments for shingles and PHN are not always fully effective, and older adults, who often manage multiple chronic conditions, may struggle with the added burden of managing these additional medications.
In addition to vaccination, experts stressed the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle through exercise, smoking cessation, a balanced diet, and regular screening for chronic diseases. These preventive measures, combined with vaccination, can help mitigate the risk of shingles and its associated complications.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Xuyen, President of the Vietnam Medical Association, underscored the value of vaccination in public health. “Vaccines now prevent many infectious diseases, offering a proactive and effective means of disease prevention with a strong safety profile,” she said. “By preventing diseases like shingles early, we can reduce the overall disease burden, improve the quality of life for patients, and alleviate pressure on the healthcare system.”
With the launch of the shingles prevention guidebook, the Vietnam Medical Association aims to empower healthcare professionals with the tools needed to better protect adults, particularly those with chronic conditions, from the potentially debilitating effects of shingles.
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