One in five GPs at risk of potentially fatal Zostavax error

A survey of around 500 doctors exposes knowledge gaps.

Eighteen percent of GPs are still unaware that Zostavax is contraindicated in patients who are immunocompromised, even though administering this live attenuated vaccine inappropriately has caused deaths in recent years.

A survey of around 500 GPs published in the AJGP this week revealed significant confusion about who could be safely administered Zostavax.

Ten percent of GPs surveyed said immunocompromised people should receive the zoster vaccine, which is incorrect. Eight percent of GPs said they were not sure.