Overview

• A study of over 1.2 million South Korean adults found that shingles vaccination is associated with a 23% lower risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and strokes.
• The protective effect is strongest two to three years after vaccination but persists for up to eight years.
• Men, individuals under 60, and those with unhealthy lifestyle habits experienced the largest reductions in cardiovascular risks.
• The study focused on the live zoster vaccine (Zostavax), with researchers planning to investigate similar benefits from the newer, non-live Shingrix vaccine.
• Despite these findings, shingles vaccine uptake in the UK remains low, with less than 50% of eligible individuals receiving the free NHS jab.