Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Herpes Zoster and Its Vaccine Among Primary Health Care Attendees in the United Arab Emirates: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Herpes zoster (HZ) is a reactivation of the latent varicella-zoster virus, with incidence increasing in older adults. Despite the availability of an effective vaccine, uptake remains low globally and in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Objectives The objective of the study was to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding HZ and its vaccine among primary health care (PHC) attendees in the UAE, and to identify demographic factors associated with knowledge levels. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to May 2025 in primary health care (PHC) centers within Emirates Health Services (EHS) across six emirates of the United Arab Emirates. Adults aged ≥18 years were recruited using convenience sampling. Data were collected via a validated, adapted questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics and knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding HZ and its vaccine. Associations were analyzed using chi-square tests. Results Of 389 participants, 268 (68.9%) were female, and 265 (68.1%) were aged 18-49 years. Knowledge levels were high in 67 (17.2%), moderate in 197 (50.6%), and low in 125 (32.1%) participants. Higher knowledge was significantly associated with female gender, younger age, higher education, health insurance, and prior chickenpox history (all p<0.05). Most respondents, 294 (76.0%), were interested in learning about HZ, 317 (81.5%) were interested in prevention strategies, and 287 (73.7%) reported willingness to vaccinate if recommended by a physician. Vaccine cost was reported as likely or extremely likely to influence decision-making by 140 (35.9%) participants. Overall, 6.4% (n = 25) of participants reported having already received the herpes zoster vaccine. The most common reasons for hesitancy included fear of side effects (77; 19.8%) and low perceived risk (34; 8.7%). Conclusion Knowledge of herpes zoster among PHC attendees was moderate, while attitudes toward vaccination were generally favorable, particularly when supported by a physician's recommendation. Targeted educational interventions, strengthened physician engagement, and addressing cost concerns may help improve vaccine uptake in the UAE.