A global systematic review has found that the shingles vaccine is associated with an 18% lower risk of heart attack or stroke in adults. The analysis, which combined results from randomized trials and observational studies, suggests that vaccination against shingles may offer protective cardiovascular effects beyond preventing the viral infection itself.
Researchers believe the benefits could be linked to reducing inflammation caused by shingles, which can contribute to heart and circulatory problems. While the vaccine is typically recommended for older or immunocompromised adults, these findings indicate potential advantages even for younger populations. Experts caution that more research is needed to confirm the causal relationship and to explore the vaccine’s role in cardiovascular health.
The NHS is expanding eligibility for the shingles vaccine from September, allowing 300,000 additional people, including adults aged 18–49 with severely weakened immune systems, to receive the jab.
