American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

Who should receive the Herpes Zoster vaccine?

1. All persons under 50 years

2. Nonimmunocompromised persons aged 30 and older

3. All nonimmunocompromised persons aged 60 and older

4. Only those with prior infection

The correct answer is: All nonimmunocompromised persons aged 60 and older

The recommendation for the Herpes Zoster vaccine is primarily aimed at reducing the risk of developing shingles and its associated complications, such as postherpetic neuralgia. The correct answer identifies that all nonimmunocompromised persons aged 60 and older should receive the vaccine. This age group has been identified as having a significantly higher risk for developing herpes zoster, particularly because the incidence of shingles increases with age. Clinical studies have demonstrated that vaccination within this demographic can considerably decrease the occurrence of shingles and its long-term effects. Furthermore, the vaccine is generally well-tolerated in this population, with a favorable safety profile. In contrast, while younger individuals and those with previous herpes zoster infections may have some degree of risk, the primary target group for vaccination consists of those who are 60 years or older and are not immunocompromised. This focus is to maximize the public health benefit by targeting those most at risk for shingles, as well as those who might suffer significant consequences from the disease if it occurs.