Context:

A South Korean study involving over a million participants indicates that the shingles vaccine may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by 23%, particularly in males, individuals under 60, and those with unhealthy lifestyles. The vaccine's effectiveness is attributed to its ability to prevent shingles-induced inflammation in blood vessels, which can lead to heart disease and stroke. Although the study used an older vaccine version now replaced by the more effective Shingrix, the findings suggest broader health benefits beyond preventing shingles. Vaccination is highlighted as a comprehensive health strategy, not just a shield against infectious diseases, with additional studies suggesting a reduced risk of dementia. Researchers emphasize the need for further studies to establish a direct causal link and to explore the vaccine's effects across diverse populations.

Dive Deeper:

• The South Korean study examined health outcomes of over one million people aged 50 and older, finding a 23% reduction in cardiovascular disease risk among those vaccinated against shingles.

• The shingles virus can cause inflammation and blood clots in blood vessels, elevating the risk of heart disease; vaccination may mitigate these risks by preventing such complications.

• The study observed significant benefits in males, those under 60, and individuals with unhealthy habits, with the effects lasting up to eight years post-vaccination.

• Current shingles vaccine recommendations from the CDC involve the Shingrix vaccine, a more effective two-dose recombinant vaccine replacing the older live zoster variant used in the study.

• The study’s findings support a broader understanding of vaccination as a tool for comprehensive health maintenance, beyond preventing infectious diseases.

• Researchers call for more randomized clinical trials to confirm the direct causal relationship between shingles vaccination and reduced cardiovascular risks, along with studies focusing on diverse racial and ethnic groups.

• Additional studies have linked shingles vaccination to a lower risk of dementia, emphasizing its potential role in preventing nervous system inflammation and related long-term health issues.