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Shingles vaccine may offer heart protection

The shingles vaccine, Shingrix, may provide unexpected cardiovascular benefits in addition to preventing the painful rash, according to a new study.

Scientists suggest that individuals who received the recombinant shingles vaccine, Shingrix, experienced a lower incidence of serious heart problems compared to those who received the older version of the vaccine. This potential benefit was observed in a study published in Nature Medicine.

Shingles, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, affects millions annually. The older vaccine used a weakened virus, while Shingrix is composed of a viral protein fragment. Previous research had suggested a link between the older vaccine and reduced dementia risk, a finding that has faced recent questioning, though this doubt has not extended to Shingrix.

Researchers investigated whether Shingrix might protect blood vessels, potentially leading to cardiovascular benefits. They analyzed electronic health records of individuals who received either the old vaccine in 2017 or Shingrix in 2018, following them for seven years.

The study found that those vaccinated with Shingrix had 1.3 percent fewer cases of cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure, heart attack, and stroke, than those who received the older vaccine. This translates to approximately 96 cases per 1,000 people for Shingrix recipients versus 109 per 1,000 for recipients of the older vaccine.

While the observed difference may seem small, cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death globally. Even a minor reduction in risk could potentially save numerous lives. The researchers emphasize that these findings require confirmation through clinical trials to fully understand the impact.

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