New Insights on the Shingles Vaccine
The shingles vaccine, primarily designed to prevent shingles—a painful rash stemming from the varicella-zoster virus—has shown promise in another area, according to recent research. Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have found a potential connection between this vaccine and a reduced risk of developing vascular dementia.
In addition, the vaccine appears to have a notable effect on reducing the risk of cardiovascular events and mortality among individuals aged 50 and older.
These findings were shared last week at the IDWEEK 2025 conference in Atlanta, Georgia, which gathers key players in the U.S. infectious disease community.
The study involved analyzing health records from approximately 174,000 adults in the U.S., tracking participants for durations ranging from three months to as long as seven years.
Those who received the shingles vaccine had about half the risk of developing vascular dementia compared to their unvaccinated counterparts. The research also showed a 25% lower risk of heart attacks or strokes and a 27% reduction in the likelihood of blood clots. Furthermore, participants had a 21% decreased risk of death, as reported by the Infectious Diseases Society of America.
Dr. Ali Deghani, an internist at Case Western Reserve University, commented, “Our findings suggest that the shingles vaccine may indeed help to lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes, particularly for individuals already at high risk.”
For context, shingles manifests as a painful, blistering rash that occurs when the varicella-zoster virus—dormant in the body after a chickenpox infection—reactivates later in life. Medical experts highlight that shingles is more than just a rash; it can raise the risk of severe heart and brain issues.
The implications of this research are significant, especially considering that one in three Americans will develop shingles, with over 99% of individuals born before 1980 having had chickenpox. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasizes the importance of vaccination to mitigate serious outcomes associated with the condition.
These recent findings build on earlier studies that indicate vaccines might shield individuals from shingles and its complications. Dr. Aaron Glatt, an infectious disease specialist, remarked that this research adds weight to previous evidence suggesting the shingles vaccine offers broad health benefits, including the potential to hinder dementia’s onset.
While the results are promising, Glatt noted that additional research is necessary to affirm the specific contributions of the shingles vaccine to improved health outcomes. Various mechanisms, such as reduced inflammation, may play a role in this association.
The CDC recommends two doses of the recombinant shingles vaccine (RZV) for adults aged 50 and over, as well as for those aged 19 and older who are, or will be, immunocompromised.
