Work

Mapping the landscape of herpes zoster vaccine research: A bibliometric analysis

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Although effective vaccines are available, herpes zoster (HZ) remains a considerable global health concern, particularly among the elderly. This study aimed to systematically map the research landscape and evolutionary trends in HZ vaccine development. METHODS: A comprehensive bibliometric analysis was conducted on 551 peer-reviewed publications from the Web of Science Core Collection database (retrieved before April 25, 2025). CiteSpace and VOSviewer were utilized to analyze research output, collaborations, and thematic evolution. RESULTS: The United States leads in research output and international collaboration, with Vaccine identified as the primary journal publishing HZ vaccine-related studies. Current research evaluates vaccine immunogenicity and efficacy across populations, elucidating protection mechanisms (with glycoprotein E as a key antigen), and addressing real-world challenges like vaccine hesitancy and strategy optimization for high-risk groups. The analysis indicates that recombinant subunit vaccines are currently the most established and widely recognized, with emerging mRNA and virus-like particle technologies. CONCLUSION: This analysis provides a holistic overview of HZ vaccine research, highlighting key trends and identifying critical gaps in long-term safety data and global vaccine equity. These findings are vital for informing future research and policy to enhance worldwide HZ prevention.

Source: Medicine

DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000044741