The global burden of varicella and herpes zoster in adults aged 65 years and older: a comprehensive analysis based on the global burden of disease 2021

The global population is aging at an accelerated rate. There is a lack of data on the burden of varicella and herpes zoster in adults aged 65 years and older. This study assesses the global burden of varicella and herpes zoster among adults aged 65 and older from 1992 to 2021. We used Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 to identify the number and rates of incidence and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of varicella and herpes zoster in adults aged 65 and older. From 1992 to 2021, The age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) of varicella and herpes zoster increased among adults aged 65 years and older, while the age-standardized death rate (ASDR) decreased. There were differences in the burden of varicella-zoster among adults aged 65 years and older by among sexes, ages, and regions. The health inequalities analysis showed an improvement among countries. From 1992 to 2021, the global burden of varicella zoster among adults aged 65 and older has changed significantly. The ASIR of varicella and herpes zoster increased, but ASDR decreased. Despite the notable advancement in health equity across countries, the burden persists disproportionately among populations in low-SDI regions.