South America Herpes Zoster Market Size, Share, Trends and Forecasts 2031

Key Findings

• The South America Herpes Zoster Market is expanding rapidly due to the rising prevalence of shingles among aging populations and immunocompromised individuals.
• Increasing vaccination coverage, growing awareness of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) prevention, and advancements in antiviral therapies are driving market demand.
• The introduction of recombinant zoster vaccines with enhanced efficacy and long-lasting protection is transforming the treatment landscape in South America.
• The expansion of healthcare infrastructure and public immunization programs is improving access to both preventive and therapeutic interventions.
• The growing incidence of herpes zoster reactivation among cancer and transplant patients is boosting antiviral drug utilization.
• Ongoing R&D in next-generation vaccines, adjuvant formulations, and long-term immunity studies is stimulating innovation in South America.
• However, high vaccine costs, cold-chain logistics challenges, and underdiagnosis of mild herpes zoster cases in rural regions remain significant barriers.

South America Herpes Zoster Market Size and Forecast

The South America Herpes Zoster Market is projected to grow from USD 2.4 billion in 2025 to USD 5.9 billion by 2031, registering a CAGR of 14.7% during the forecast period. Rising geriatric populations, coupled with increased life expectancy, are leading to higher susceptibility to shingles caused by reactivation of latent varicella-zoster virus (VZV). In South America, vaccination campaigns targeting adults over 50 years are significantly boosting preventive adoption. Moreover, the development of recombinant vaccines such as Shingrix, offering superior protection compared to live-attenuated vaccines, has revolutionized prevention strategies. The therapeutic segment, encompassing antivirals such as acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir, continues to show strong demand. With ongoing innovation in pain management and postherpetic neuralgia prevention, the market is expected to maintain a robust growth trajectory through 2031.

Introduction

Herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles, is a viral infection caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) the same virus responsible for chickenpox. It manifests as a painful rash, often accompanied by itching, fever, and nerve pain. The risk of herpes zoster increases with age and immunosuppression. In South America, the rising elderly population and growing incidence of chronic diseases have contributed to a surge in herpes zoster cases. The market encompasses both preventive vaccines and therapeutic drugs aimed at reducing the severity and recurrence of infections. Increased emphasis on public vaccination, combined with technological advancements in recombinant DNA vaccine platforms, has elevated the market’s potential. Pharmaceutical companies are focusing on developing safer, longer-lasting immunization options with minimal side effects, expanding the overall market scope.

Future Outlook

By 2031, the South America Herpes Zoster Market will experience transformative growth, driven by broader vaccine access, robust antiviral portfolios, and advanced diagnostic testing. Recombinant subunit vaccines with adjuvant systems will dominate the market due to their superior safety profile and immune response durability. Increasing integration of herpes zoster vaccination into adult immunization schedules will further enhance coverage. Technological innovations such as AI-assisted epidemiological tracking and predictive analytics will improve outbreak management. Pharmaceutical companies are also investing in next-generation antiviral molecules that offer faster symptom resolution and reduced risk of PHN. With expanded public-private partnerships and government funding in immunization initiatives, South America is poised to become a leading region for herpes zoster management and prevention.

South America Herpes Zoster Market Trends

• Growing Vaccination Adoption and Shift Toward Recombinant Vaccines
  The adoption of recombinant zoster vaccines (RZV), such as Shingrix, is increasing rapidly across South America due to their superior efficacy in preventing herpes zoster and PHN. Unlike live-attenuated vaccines, RZVs are suitable for immunocompromised individuals and provide durable immune protection. Governments are incorporating adult zoster vaccination into national immunization schedules, resulting in higher uptake rates among individuals aged 50 and above.

• Rising Incidence Among Immunocompromised Populations
  In South America, the rising prevalence of cancer, HIV, autoimmune disorders, and organ transplants has significantly increased herpes zoster susceptibility. Patients undergoing immunosuppressive treatments, including chemotherapy and biologics, face higher reactivation risks. Healthcare institutions are increasingly recommending prophylactic vaccination before immunotherapy, further driving vaccine demand.

• Technological Advancements in Vaccine Formulation and Delivery
  Ongoing innovations in adjuvant systems, such as AS01B, and nanoparticle-based vaccine delivery platforms are enhancing immunogenicity and shelf life. In South America, research institutes are focusing on thermostable vaccine formulations that overcome cold-chain limitations. The trend toward single-dose recombinant vaccines is expected to simplify logistics and improve global distribution efficiency.

• Expansion of Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN) Treatment Market
  PHN remains the most common and debilitating complication of shingles. In South America, the development of novel pain management drugs such as gabapentin, pregabalin, and topical lidocaine patches is addressing unmet needs. Pharmaceutical firms are also exploring combination therapies involving antivirals and neuroprotective agents to mitigate nerve damage.

• Increased Awareness Campaigns and Preventive Healthcare Focus
  Public health initiatives in South America emphasizing adult vaccination and early diagnosis are significantly improving awareness levels. Hospitals, pharmacies, and insurance providers are launching educational programs to encourage vaccination compliance. Social media and telemedicine platforms are being leveraged to expand outreach, especially in urban areas.

Market Growth Drivers

• Rising Aging Population and Increased Herpes Zoster Prevalence
  The aging demographic in South America is the most significant driver of herpes zoster incidence. Older adults face a natural decline in cell-mediated immunity, increasing the likelihood of VZV reactivation. Governments and healthcare providers are prioritizing geriatric immunization, creating consistent vaccine demand.

• Advancements in Vaccine Development and Efficacy
  Recombinant vaccine technologies offering >90% efficacy rates are revolutionizing herpes zoster prevention. In South America, biopharmaceutical companies are heavily investing in next-generation vaccines that deliver extended protection with improved safety profiles. These advancements are fostering rapid adoption in both public and private healthcare sectors.

• Increased Awareness and Inclusion in National Immunization Programs
  National health authorities in South America are increasingly incorporating herpes zoster vaccines into adult immunization schedules. Public health campaigns are focusing on preventive measures, encouraging early vaccination to reduce long-term disease burden. This shift from reactive treatment to proactive prevention is creating a strong foundation for sustained market expansion.

• Growing Burden of Chronic and Immunocompromising Diseases
  Chronic illnesses such as diabetes, HIV, and malignancies are elevating the risk of herpes zoster reactivation. The widespread use of immunosuppressive drugs, including corticosteroids and biologics, is further increasing infection rates in South America. As patient awareness rises, demand for both prophylactic vaccines and therapeutic interventions is accelerating.

• Technological Integration and Expansion of Distribution Channels
  The integration of telehealth platforms and digital pharmacies in South America is streamlining access to antiviral medications and vaccines. Enhanced healthcare infrastructure, improved vaccine cold-chain systems, and partnerships with retail pharmacies are expanding availability in both urban and rural markets.

• R&D Investment in Novel Antivirals and Pain Management Therapies
  Pharmaceutical innovation in South America is extending beyond vaccines, focusing on developing new antivirals that shorten disease duration and reduce recurrence. Research in targeted neuroprotective drugs and regenerative therapies is addressing postherpetic neuralgia more effectively, strengthening the therapeutic segment.

Challenges in the Market

• High Vaccine and Treatment Costs
  Despite strong clinical efficacy, herpes zoster vaccines remain expensive, limiting affordability in middle- and low-income segments. In South America, lack of reimbursement policies and high out-of-pocket expenses pose significant barriers to vaccine adoption. Reducing costs through local manufacturing and public health subsidies remains essential.

• Limited Awareness and Misdiagnosis in Early Stages
  Mild herpes zoster symptoms are often mistaken for skin infections or allergic rashes, leading to underreporting and delayed treatment. In South America, especially in rural areas, inadequate awareness among both patients and healthcare providers hinders early intervention and vaccine uptake.

• Cold-Chain and Logistics Constraints
  Recombinant vaccines require precise cold storage conditions to maintain efficacy. In South America, logistical challenges in maintaining cold-chain integrity across long distances and rural terrains pose risks of product spoilage and wastage. Investments in thermostable formulations and decentralized distribution systems are necessary to overcome these issues.

• Adverse Reactions and Vaccine Hesitancy
  Though rare, side effects such as injection-site pain and mild fever can deter some individuals from vaccination. In South America, misinformation and hesitancy fueled by misconceptions about vaccine safety remain key obstacles to achieving high coverage rates. Comprehensive public education and transparent communication are vital to counter these concerns.

• Regulatory Complexity and Approval Delays
  The herpes zoster market faces stringent regulatory requirements for vaccine and drug approvals. In South America, long review timelines and region-specific guidelines complicate product launches and slow market entry for multinational companies. Streamlined regulatory harmonization is required to encourage faster access to new therapies.

• Challenges in Managing Postherpetic Neuralgia (PHN)
  PHN remains a long-term complication that significantly impacts patient quality of life. In South America, the absence of curative therapies and inconsistent pain management standards create clinical gaps. Development of novel analgesics and neuroprotective treatments remains an urgent priority.

South America Herpes Zoster Market Segmentation

By Product Type

• Vaccines (Recombinant and Live-Attenuated)

• Antiviral Drugs

• Pain Management Medications

By Vaccine Type

• Shingrix (Recombinant Zoster Vaccine)

• Zostavax (Live-Attenuated Vaccine)

• Pipeline and Experimental Vaccines

By Drug Class

• Acyclovir

• Valacyclovir

• Famciclovir

• Others (Topical Agents and Adjunctive Therapies)

By Route of Administration

• Injectable

• Oral

• Topical

By End-User

• Hospitals and Clinics

• Ambulatory Care Centers

• Retail Pharmacies

• Online Pharmacies

By Age Group

• 50–59 Years

• 60–69 Years

• 70 Years and Above

Leading Key Players

• GlaxoSmithKline plc (GSK)

• Merck & Co., Inc.

• Pfizer Inc.

• Sanofi S.A.

• Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc.

• Moderna, Inc.

• Novartis AG

• Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited

• Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.

• Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.

Recent Developments

• GlaxoSmithKline plc (GSK) expanded distribution of its recombinant zoster vaccine in South America through national immunization programs targeting older adults.

• Merck & Co., Inc. initiated clinical trials in South America to evaluate a next-generation, adjuvanted single-dose herpes zoster vaccine.

• Pfizer Inc. partnered with healthcare institutions in South America to improve vaccine accessibility in rural and underserved regions.

• Sanofi S.A. developed an AI-based vaccine monitoring system in South America to enhance post-vaccination safety tracking and data analytics.

• Moderna, Inc. announced research collaborations in South America for the development of mRNA-based herpes zoster vaccine candidates.

This Market Report Will Answer the Following Questions

1. What is the projected size and CAGR of the South America Herpes Zoster Market by 2031?

2. Which vaccine types and antiviral drugs are driving growth in South America?

3. How are government immunization programs and awareness campaigns influencing adoption?

4. What major challenges affect vaccine affordability, logistics, and patient awareness?

5. Who are the key players innovating in herpes zoster prevention and treatment globally and regionally?