[영문]Objectives. Exposure to varicella zoster virus through close contact with peoplewith chickenpox was suggested to boost specific immunity, reducing therisk of herpes zoster (HZ). Since the introduction of the varicella immunizationprogram in the U.S. in 1995, varicella morbidity has decreased substantially.This article examines incidence and risk factors associated with self-reportedHZ disease and whether exposure to chickenpox within the previous decadereduces the risk of shingles in this age group.Methods. In 2004, a national random-digit dial telephone survey was used toobtain information on self-reported HZ disease, demographic characteristics,and exposure to children with chickenpox in the past decade. National estimatesof the incidence of shingles disease were calculated.Results. Incidence rate of self-reported HZ was 19 per 1,000 population peryear. White individuals were 3.5 times more likely to report shingles thanHispanic individuals (p？0.01). Previous exposure to chickenpox did not protectagainst HZ disease in this population. Seven percent of adults ？65 years ofage reported exposure to children with chickenpox in the past decade.Conclusions. Incidence of HZ among individuals ？65 years of age in the U.S.may be higher than previously described in the literature, with whites being athigher risk for the disease. Currently, the potential contribution of exposure tochickenpox as a mechanism for maintaining cell-mediated immunity against HZmay be limited to a small percentage of the population. Vaccination against HZmay represent the best means of decreasing this disease burden.