GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceutical Sdn Bhd (GSK) has announced the launch of its Herpes Zoster vaccine, Shingrix, also known as Recombinant Zoster Vaccine, Adjuvanted (RZV) in Malaysia for the prevention of shingles (herpes zoster, HZ) and post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) in adults aged 50 years and over. RZV is a non-live, recombinant subunit adjuvanted vaccine given intramuscularly in two doses.

RZV will initially be available in Malaysia to adults aged 50 and over and those aged 18 and over who are at increased risk of HZ.

Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox. As people age, the cells in the immune system lose the ability to mount a strong and effective response to infection, increasing the risk of developing shingles. The disease can cause unbearable pain and, in some cases, people can also develop post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) a long-lasting nerve pain following shingles.

RZV is a vaccine designed to prevent shingles in adults aged 50 years and over and 18 years and over who are at increased risk in countries where the indication for this population has been approved.  RZV is also approved for adults aged 18 and over who are at increased risk of HZ.  Immunocompromised individuals are at greater risk of shingles and associated complications and RZV is a shingles vaccine approved for this at-risk patient population.

RZV has resulted in positive vaccination recommendations. In Malaysia, RZV is recommended by Guideline for Adult Immunisation by Malaysia Society of Infectious Diseases and Chemotherapy for persons who are 50 years and above and for immunosuppressed patients 18 years and above.

Image caption- Dr Alap Gandhi, Country Medical Director of GSK Malaysia and Brunei; Ruxandra Nastasa, Vice President & General Manager of GSK Malaysia & Brunei; and Dr Peter Ch’ng, Consultant Dermatologist from Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur & Secretary of Dermatological Society of Malaysia