The importance of varicella zoster virus vaccination has gained attention not only due to problems associated with varicella in children but the significant morbidity and mortality due to zoster in the elderly. The use of Varivax in infants starting in the 1980s resulted in a significant decrease in varicella infections in countries with mandatory vaccination, although not all countries instituted such requirements. However, vaccinations using Zostavax starting in 2006, did not reduce the incidence of zoster or severe post-reactivation sequelae in the elderly. The most recent zoster vaccine (Shingrix, 2017) shows greater efficacy, but, still has significant adverse outcomes. Complete understanding of zoster pathobiology not only involves skin rash and nerve damage but widespread systemic inflammatory, cardiovascular, endocrine, and ophthalmic disorders . This special issue will provide a platform to describe and compare VZV vaccination, efficacy, public health impact, acceptance, prevalence, and adverse outcomes, compared in different populations across the globe.
