What is the most appropriate additional vaccine to administer to a 45-year-old man with advanced chronic kidney disease (Impaired renal function) due to Immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy, who has received inactivated Influenza (flu) vaccine and has a history of Varicella (chickenpox) but not Herpes zoster (shingles), and is currently taking Carvedilol (beta blocker), Diltiazem (calcium channel blocker), Lisinopril (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor), and Sevelamer (phosphate binder)?

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From the Guidelines

The most appropriate additional vaccine to administer at this visit is C, Herpes zoster recombinant vaccine. This patient is 45 years old with advanced chronic kidney disease, which is an immunocompromising condition that puts him at higher risk for herpes zoster (shingles) 1. The recombinant zoster vaccine (Shingrix) is recommended for immunocompromised adults aged 19 and older, regardless of previous history of herpes zoster or receipt of zoster vaccine live (Zostavax) 1. The patient has a history of chickenpox, indicating prior varicella-zoster virus infection, which can reactivate as shingles. Some key points to consider in vaccine administration for this patient include:

  • Hepatitis A vaccine is not indicated as a priority since there are no specific risk factors mentioned.
  • Hepatitis B vaccine is unnecessary as the patient already has hepatitis B surface antibody positivity, indicating immunity.
  • Regarding pneumococcal vaccines, while they are important for patients with chronic kidney disease, the herpes zoster vaccine represents the most urgent need at this visit given the patient's immunocompromised status and prior varicella infection 1. It's also worth noting that the patient's vaccination history and current health status should be taken into account when determining the best course of action for vaccination, as outlined in guidelines such as those from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) 1.

From the Research

Patient's Medical History and Current Condition

The patient is a 45-year-old man with advanced chronic kidney disease due to IgA nephropathy. He has a history of chickenpox but no history of shingles. His current medications include carvedilol, diltiazem, lisinopril, and sevelamer. He has completed only the required childhood vaccinations and has recently received the COVID-19 immunization.

Laboratory Studies

The patient's laboratory studies show:

  • Hepatitis A virus IgM antibody: Negative
  • Hepatitis B surface antigen: Negative
  • Hepatitis B surface antibody: Positive
  • Hepatitis C virus antibody: Negative
  • Inactivated influenza vaccine has been administered.

Recommended Vaccine

Based on the patient's medical history and current condition, the most appropriate additional vaccine to administer at this visit is:

  • C Herpes zoster recombinant vaccine

Justification

The patient has a history of chickenpox, which increases his risk of developing shingles (herpes zoster) due to the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus 2. The herpes zoster recombinant vaccine is recommended for adults aged 50 years and older, as well as for immunocompromised adults aged 19 years and older 3, 4, 5, 6. Although the patient is 45 years old, his advanced chronic kidney disease may increase his risk of developing shingles, making the herpes zoster recombinant vaccine a suitable option. The vaccine has been shown to be effective in preventing shingles and related complications, with a moderate to high vaccine efficacy and an acceptable safety profile 2, 3, 4.

Key Points

  • The patient's history of chickenpox increases his risk of developing shingles.
  • The herpes zoster recombinant vaccine is recommended for adults at increased risk of shingles.
  • The vaccine has been shown to be effective in preventing shingles and related complications.
  • The patient's advanced chronic kidney disease may increase his risk of developing shingles, making the vaccine a suitable option.

References

Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

Research

Vaccines for preventing herpes zoster in older adults.

The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 2023

Research

Herpes Zoster Vaccines.

The Journal of infectious diseases, 2021

Research

Which patients should receive the herpes zoster vaccine?

JAAPA : official journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, 2019

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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