Could a shingles jab also help protect the heart?

A vaccine designed to protect older adults from shingles might also provide an unexpected benefit for heart health, according to a major study published in Nature Medicine. Researchers found that those who received the newer recombinant shingles vaccine, Shingrix, experienced fewer cardiovascular problems over a seven-year period compared to individuals who received an older shingles vaccine.

The study, involving more than 70,000 people, revealed a 9% reduction in overall cardiovascular disease and a 10% reduction in ischaemic heart disease and heart failure. The strongest effects were observed within the first 3.5 years after vaccination, with the benefits gradually diminishing over time. While the exact mechanism behind the potential heart health improvement remains unclear, it's possible that shingles, an infection associated with inflammation, may contribute to cardiovascular problems, and preventing the infection could indirectly reduce this risk.

However, this study does not establish a direct protective effect of Shingrix on heart disease and requires further randomized clinical trials to confirm the findings.