October 23, 2008

October 23, 2009

0.75 Hours

Herpes zoster is the clinical manifestation of varicella-zoster virus (VZV) reactivation, which results from waning VZV immunity, a common consequence of aging. Approximately 1 million individuals in the United States are afflicted with herpes zoster annually. One of the most common clinical complications associated with herpes zoster is the painful condition known as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Although agents commonly used to treat PHN have some degree of efficacy, pain relief is almost always only partial and can be associated with many adverse reactions. However, many cases of herpes zoster, and possibly some cases of PHN, can be prevented by herpes zoster vaccination.

Clinical trial data have shown significant reductions in the overall burden of disease due to herpes zoster, as well as the incidence of herpes zoster and PHN. Thus, herpes zoster vaccination is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices for all individuals ≥60 years of age who have no contraindications, including persons who report a previous episode of herpes zoster and those with chronic medical conditions (ie, chronic renal failure, diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic pulmonary disease).

This activity will review the epidemiology of herpes zoster and PHN, the burden of illness associated with these conditions, the management of herpes zoster and PHN, clinical trial data for the herpes zoster vaccine, as well as the latest CDC recommendations. Participants will evaluate the clinical benefit of herpes zoster vaccination through interactive patient case studies that will feature situations typically encountered by health care providers.
 

This activity has been designed to meet the educational needs of primary care physicians and other health care professionals who wish to learn more about the prevention of herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia.

After completing this activity, participants should be better able to:
•    Review the epidemiology and disease burden of herpes zoster and its most common complication, PHN
•    Evaluate clinical trial data on the efficacy and safety of the herpes zoster vaccine
•    Utilize current recommendations to identify appropriate candidates for herpes zoster vaccination
 

Activity Chairperson
Kenneth E. Schmader, MD
Professor of Medicine
Chief, Division of Geriatrics
Department of Medicine  
Duke University School of Medicine
Durham, North Carolina
 

SciMed is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

SciMed designates this educational activity for a maximum of 0.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits^TM. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

SciMed assesses conflicts of interest with its faculty and all individuals who are in a position to control the content of CME activities. All relevant conflicts of interest that are identified are resolved by SciMed to ensure fair balance and scientific objectivity.

When asked to report any potential conflict(s) of interest, faculty reported the following:

Kenneth Schmader, MD
Grants/Research Support: Merck & Co., Inc.

All SciMed personnel involved in the development of content for this activity have no relevant conflicts to report.

The materials for this activity were peer reviewed by Sandra Knoll, MD, Lankenau Hospital, Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. Dr Knoll has no relevant conflicts to report.
 

There are no fees for participating in and receiving CME credit for this activity. In order to obtain CME credit for participating in this activity during the period October 15, 2008 through October 15, 2009, participants must 1) read the educational objectives and disclosure statements; 2) study the educational activity; 3) complete the posttest by recording the best answer to each question; 4) complete the evaluation form; 5) submit the evaluation form with posttest online to SciMed. 

A statement of credit will be issued only upon receipt of a completed activity evaluation form and a completed posttest with a score of 80% or better.
 

The opinions or views expressed in this CME activity are those of the presenters and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or recommendations of SciMed or the commercial supporter. Participants should critically appraise the information presented and are encouraged to consult appropriate resources for information surrounding any product, device, or procedure mentioned.