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Shingles Vaccine Linked to 23% Reduction in Cardiovascular Risk, Study Finds

South Korean research highlights long-term heart health benefits of shingles vaccination, though further studies are needed to confirm causation and generalize findings.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends two doses of the Shingrix vaccine for adults who are immunocompromised or over age 50.
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Overview

  • A new South Korean study of over 1.2 million adults aged 50 and older found that shingles vaccination reduces cardiovascular event risk by 23%, with protection lasting up to eight years.
  • The vaccine was associated with a 26% lower risk of heart failure and a 22% lower risk of coronary heart disease, with the strongest effects observed in the first two to three years post-vaccination.
  • Researchers suggest the vaccine’s anti-inflammatory effects prevent vascular damage caused by shingles, which can lead to heart disease and stroke.
  • The study used the older live zoster vaccine, while the recombinant Shingrix vaccine, now widely used in many countries, may offer even greater benefits and is a focus for future research.
  • Experts emphasize that the observational design and single ethnic cohort limit the study’s generalizability, calling for randomized trials and diverse population studies to confirm findings.