Enferm Infecc Microbiol Clin (Engl Ed). 2026 Oct 16:503295. doi: 10.1016/j.eimce.2026.503295. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The Community of Madrid (CM) introduced chickenpox vaccination during childhood in 2006 and herpes zoster (HZ) vaccination for those over 65 years-old (y/o) in 2022, with progressive incorporation of age groups. This study aims to describe HZ cases and epidemiological trends between 2016 and 2025.
METHODS: Observational population-based study using primary care morbidity records and hospital Minimum Basic Data Set. Sociodemographic characteristics and comorbidities of the cases were described. Annual cumulative incidence (Cuml) was estimated for episodes and hospitalizations by age-group and sex. The years were grouped into three periods: 2016-19 (reference), 2020-22 (pandemic, pre-HZ vaccination) and 2023-25 (post-HZ vaccination). Risk ratios (RR) between 2020-22/2023-25 and 2016-19 were calculated by age group and sex through Poisson regression models.
RESULTS: Annual Cuml remained stable (500 cases and 13 hospital admissions per 100,000 inhabitants), being higher among women. HZ cases had a high prevalence of hypertension (26.5%), diabetes (9.0%) and cardiovascular disease (6.6%). Incidence decreased between 2016-19/2023-25, especially in men, in age-groups under 15 y/o (RR=0.40; 95% CI: 0.33-0.48), 15-29 y/o (RR=0.74; 95% CI: 0.70-0.78), and 65-80 y/o (RR=0.81; 95% CI: 0.78-0.84), but it increased between 30 and 49 y/o, especially among women (RR=1.17; 95% CI: 1.15-1.20). Concerning hospital admissions, incidence decreased, especially in men, among 50-64 y/o (RR=0.82; 95% CI: 0.63-0.99), 65-80 y/o (RR=0.69; 95% CI: 0.57-0.81) and +80 y/o (RR=0.80; 95% CI: 0.67-0.93). The incidence decline was more evident in age groups eligible for vaccination since 2023.
CONCLUSIONS: Recent variations in HZ incidence within age groups are observed. Strengthening epidemiological surveillance and evaluating vaccination impact remain essential.
PMID:42888089 | DOI:10.1016/j.eimce.2026.503295