Herpes Zoster Onset 9 Years After First Varicella Zoster Vaccination in an 11-year-old Child - A Case Report

BACKGROUND: Herpes zoster (HZ) tends to affect the elderly population and immunocompromised younger patients. However, HZ cases in healthy children have also been reported. OBJECTIVE: This paper is a reminder to physicians, that Herpes Zoster can still be present in children, even in the era after the development of the varicella vaccine and its introduction in the national immunization programs globally. METHODS: We present the case of an immunocompetent 11-year old vaccinated male patient, who developed a HZ infection. The child had received two doses of the VZV vaccination (Varivax(®)), nine years (first dose) and six years (second dose) prior to the infection. RESULTS: Together with the case presentation, we summarize in this report the most recent published data, concerning the HZ prevalence in healthy varicella zoster vaccinated children. CONCLUSION: Vaccinated pediatric patients are not completely free of risk concerning HZ. Physicians, especially pediatricians and dermatologists, should be alert in order to recognize and treat HZ early, so as to avoid further complications.