Clinical audit: Herpes zoster prevention in older people

Activity aim

This clinical audit will guide GPs through the process of identifying patients for whom herpes zoster (HZ) vaccination is recommended, and outlines the evidence and current Australian recommendations for selecting the most appropriate type of HZ vaccine for each patient.

Why take part in this program?

• Evaluate evidence-based recommendations for HZ vaccination in patients 50 years or older, and select the appropriate type of vaccination for the reviewed patients.
• Earn 6 CPD hours upon completion.

Learning outcomes

• Identify patients 50 years or older in your practice for whom herpes zoster (HZ) vaccination may be recommended
• Screen potential HZ patients for risk factors and comorbid conditions that put them at higher priority for HZ vaccination.
• Understand the features of the available HZ vaccines and their characteristics.
• Evaluate patients' medical history, comorbid conditions and contraindications to select an appropriate HZ vaccine.
• Educate patients on the selected HZ vaccine and schedule appropriate follow-up consultations.

Inclusion criteria

Patients who are eligible for this clinical audit are adults who are:

• Aged 50 years or over
• Have not previously received the recombinant herpes zoster vaccine (Shingrix)

How long should it take?

The program has been designed to take approximately 6-8 weeks to complete. This includes patient recall from your practice, patient consult and program evaluation.

Tips to recruit patients

Recruitment may occur:

• Opportunistically as you review appropriate patients as part of usual care.
• By active recall.

This activity is sponsored by GSK.