Overview

• In pooled data, vaccination was associated with an 18% lower risk of major cardiovascular events in adults 18+ and a 16% reduction in adults 50+.
• Studies that reported absolute risk showed 1.2 to 2.2 fewer heart attacks or strokes per 1,000 person‑years among vaccinated people.
• The review included 19 studies, with eight observational studies and one randomized trial that was not designed to assess cardiovascular outcomes.
• Evidence remains largely observational and the research was funded by GSK, with authors and independent experts emphasizing that causation is unproven.
• The findings coincide with NHS England expanding shingles vaccine eligibility next week to about 300,000 additional immunocompromised adults aged 18 to 49.