Efficiency of Varicella Vaccine Could be Reduced by Non-Treatment of Depression in Older Adults

A new study conducted by researchers at University of California, Los Angeles, has found that not treating depression in older patients having shingles, could reduce the efficiency of varicella zoster virus (VZV) vaccine. The researchers conducted a study in which they divided 40 patients over 60 years of age, and who were suffering from a major depressive disorder, into two groups. The researchers found that those who were depressed and did not receive any antidepressants displayed weaker immune response to VZV vaccine compared to those who did receive antidepressants and those from a control group involving 52 patients.

“Because the incidence and severity of herpes zoster and its complications, particularly postherpetic neuralgia, are increased in persons with depressed cell-mediated immunity to VZV, persons with untreated depression may be at greater risk for herpes zoster and its complications than either non-depressed adults of similar age, sex, and medical comorbidity or depressed persons receiving antidepressants”, the researchers wrote in their report.

Source-Medindia