Shingles Vaccine Reduces Heart Disease Risk for Up to Eight Years

Recent large-scale studies have found that receiving the shingles vaccine not only protects against the painful viral infection itself but also significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure for up to eight years. The research, based on data from over a million adults aged 50 and above in South Korea, showed that vaccinated individuals had a 23-26% lower risk of major cardiovascular problems compared to those unvaccinated, with the effect being most pronounced in men, people under 60, and those with unhealthy lifestyle habits. Scientists believe the vaccine may help by preventing shingles-induced inflammation and blood vessel damage, thereby lowering the risk of heart disease. In addition, separate studies suggest that the shingles vaccine may also reduce the risk of developing dementia, supporting the theory that viral infections contribute to neurodegenerative diseases. While the live zoster vaccine was the focus of these studies, more research is needed to confirm if the newer recombinant vaccines, like Shingrix, offer similar benefits. These findings highlight the potential of the shingles vaccine as a tool for broader public health protection beyond just preventing shingles.