Experts address shingles prevention for high-risk patients

The events, held in Ho Chi Minh City on March 1 and Hanoi on March 9, attracted more than 500 healthcare professionals with the support of GSK Vietnam. Nine specialists discussed the benefits of preventing shingles with vaccines, helping people with underlying conditions reduce the risk of disease and complications, such as postherpetic neuralgia.

Healthcare professionals discuss preventive solutions for shingles in comorbid patients. Photo: GSK

At the event in Ho Chi Minh City, Prof. Dr. Truong Quang Binh, chairman of the Scientific Council, University Medical Centre Ho Chi Minh City, and chairman of the Atherosclerosis Subcommittee – Vietnam Society of Cardiology, told the audience cardiovascular patients have a 34 per cent higher risk of contracting shingles compared to the general population. Particularly concerning is when stable cardiovascular patients contract shingles, as it may result in serious cardiovascular events such as stroke or myocardial infarction.

"Although not frequent, these events severely impact the quality of life and can even be life-threatening. Therefore, proactively preventing shingles in cardiovascular patients is critical," said Binh.

Shingles can negatively affect blood sugar control, therefore diabetic patients who contract shingles have a higher risk of severe or prolonged complications, such as secondary infections, pain, and slow wound healing. Meanwhile, in patients with chronic respiratory diseases, shingles can exacerbate pulmonary issues, causing shortness of breath, and more frequent exacerbations.

Shingles can also significantly affect both mental and physical health, and can also create a financial burden. Treatment, particularly for prolonged complications, can result in various associated costs such as consultations, initial care, inpatient and outpatient treatments, or longer hospital stays.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Dinh Thanh, director of Thong Nhat Hospital, emphasised the importance of implementing preventive counselling at hospitals and medical facilities, saying, "Timely and comprehensive counselling plays a crucial role in helping patients understand the risks and potential complications of shingles, especially those with underlying conditions, thereby reducing the risk of complications."

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Quang Thai, National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology. Photo: GSK

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Quang Thai of the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, spoke of how advanced adjuvant technology helps enhance the ability to generate a stronger and longer-lasting immune response, providing better protection for the elderly and those with underlying conditions against infectious diseases and severe complications.

"Preventing shingles with the new technology has been widely adopted in many developed countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, Germany, Switzerland, and over 30 other countries worldwide," said Thai.

At the prior event in Hanoi, experts also shared the same views. According to Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Trung Anh, president of the Vietnam Geriatric Association and Director of the National Geriatric Hospital, said, "Nearly two thirds of Vietnamese people aged 60 and over have chronic diseases, with more than half of those having multiple comorbidities. Numerous studies indicate that comorbid chronic diseases increase the risk of herpes zoster (shingles), and this risk is even higher in patients with multiple comorbidities."

Dr. Pham Thi My Lien, president, GSK Vietnam. Photo: GSK

Dr. Pham Thi My Lien, president of GSK Vietnam, asserted her company's commitment to continue researching medical solutions for Vietnamese people, saying, "We continuously research and develop advanced solutions to enhance the prevention of infectious diseases, especially for adults and high-risk groups. We are proud of our collaborations with the relevant agencies and medical experts in Vietnam."

First international summit on shingles prevention held in Vietnam GSK organized a series of international scientific summits for healthcare professionals in emerging markets in three countries in October and November, including Colombia, Dubai (UAE) in October, and Vietnam in collaboration with Vietnam Medical Association in November.

Adult vaccination and shingles prevention in Vietnam The Vietnam Medical Association, in collaboration with GSK Vietnam Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (GSK Vietnam), held a roundtable in Hanoi to discuss adult immunisation and shingle prevention on November 21.

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