American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

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At what age should individuals receive the Zoster vaccine for optimal protection?

The correct answer is: 60

The Zoster vaccine, specifically the recombinant zoster vaccine (Shingrix), is recommended for optimal protection against shingles and its complications starting at age 50. However, the most significant benefits of vaccination are observed in individuals aged 60 years and older, as this group has a higher risk of developing shingles and experiencing postherpetic neuralgia, a painful complication that can occur after a shingles outbreak. While the vaccine can be administered at age 50, studies have shown that efficacy is particularly strong in older populations. Consequently, age 60 is often emphasized as a critical age for vaccination to ensure robust immunity in individuals who are more likely to suffer from severe illness due to shingles. Therefore, the focus on administering the vaccine at age 60 aligns with guidelines that prioritize optimizing protection in those at increased risk. Those under this age may still receive the vaccine, and it may offer some protection, but starting at or after the age of 60 maximizes the vaccine's protective efficacy based on the epidemiological data.