Training Session Raises Awareness on Herpes Zoster Vaccination
Understanding the Importance of Herpes Zoster Vaccination
The Territorial Directorate of the National Institute of Health Management (Ingesa) recently organized a training session for healthcare professionals to raise awareness about vaccination against the Herpes Zoster virus in immunocompromised patients. The session also aimed to analyze the prevention of postherpetic neuralgia.
Dr. Javier de la Vega, the director of the event and a regional hospital specialist, emphasized the significance of vaccination against this virus, commonly known as shingles. He explained that around 90% of the population has experienced infection from the virus during childhood in the form of chickenpox. The virus remains dormant, and approximately 30% of individuals will experience its reactivation as herpes. While this painful eruption is often overlooked, it can lead to serious complications such as blindness, deafness, meningoencephalitis, or postherpetic neuralgia, a debilitating pain that can persist for years.
Exploring the HZ/SU Vaccine
The training session also focused on studying the HZ/SU vaccine, which has an effectiveness rate of nearly 90% and has been available in Melilla since 2022. Dr. De la Vega highlighted that specialized attention is given to administering the vaccine to high-risk groups, such as individuals with bone marrow or HIV transplants.
In terms of primary care, it is recommended that individuals over the age of fifty receive the vaccine. As the immune system weakens with age, a process known as immunosenescence, the virus can have a greater impact. Currently, the Autonomous City is funding vaccination programs for specific age groups, starting with individuals over 80 years old and gradually including those up to 65 years old.
Vaccination for High-Risk Groups
The Interterritorial Health Council’s guidelines for vaccination include high-risk groups such as patients with diabetes, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), individuals treated with corticosteroids, and cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. In other words, all groups with compromised immune systems are considered for vaccination.
A Serious Disease That Demands Attention
In conclusion, Herpes Zoster is a serious and disabling disease that should not be underestimated. This is why awareness days like the one organized by Ingesa are crucial in educating healthcare professionals and the general public about the importance of vaccination and prevention.
Chickenpox during childhood and the virus remains dormant in the body. As individuals age or experience a weakened immune system, the virus can reactivate and cause herpes zoster, or shingles.
The training session highlighted that immunocompromised patients, such as those with HIV or undergoing cancer treatment, are more susceptible to developing severe cases of herpes zoster. Vaccination plays a crucial role in preventing the virus from reactivating and reducing the risk of complications, including postherpetic neuralgia.
The session also discussed the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment of herpes zoster to manage symptoms and prevent complications. Healthcare professionals were provided with information on the signs and symptoms of the infection and the appropriate antiviral medications to prescribe.
Ingesa emphasized the need for healthcare professionals to educate their patients about the availability and benefits of herpes zoster vaccination. They encouraged healthcare providers to promote vaccination and address any misconceptions or concerns that patients may have.
Overall, the training session aimed to increase awareness among healthcare professionals about the importance of herpes zoster vaccination in immunocompromised patients. By improving knowledge and understanding, the session aimed to encourage healthcare providers to prioritize vaccination to protect their patients from the potential complications of herpes zoster.
This article highlights the importance of training sessions focused on vaccination and prevention of the Herpes Zoster virus in immunocompromised patients. Informative and valuable for healthcare professionals aiming to improve patient care and outcomes.
This training session on vaccination and prevention of the Herpes Zoster virus in immunocompromised patients is an essential step towards improving their health outcomes. It’s crucial to prioritize their well-being and ensure they receive the necessary knowledge and resources to protect themselves from this potentially dangerous virus.