Shingles vaccine could slash risk of stroke and heart disease, study finds

A new study suggests that the shingles vaccine, Shingrix, may significantly reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and clogged arteries in older adults. Researchers analyzed over 72,000 individuals aged 60 and above, comparing those who received the newer Shingrix vaccine to those who had received the older Zostavax vaccine. By three and a half years post-vaccination, 10.9% of Zostavax recipients had developed at least one of the three cardiovascular conditions, compared to 9.6% of Shingrix recipients.

While the percentage difference is minor, the absolute number of cases prevented is substantial. The study's lead author, John Tregoning, suggested that the vaccine's ability to boost the immune response and reduce inflammation may explain the cardiovascular benefits. The availability of Shingrix in the US in 2017, following its introduction, coincided with a change in the recommended age for shingles vaccination, from 60 to 50.

The researchers estimate that widespread use of Shingrix could prevent hundreds of thousands of cardiovascular issues within a decade, as only about a third of eligible individuals currently receive the vaccine. The vaccine's mechanism for improving cardiovascular health remains unclear, but past research indicates that its key ingredient, AS01, may reprogram immune cells to produce fewer inflammatory molecules, which are associated with blood vessel blockages.