Shingles Vaccine Significantly Reduces Heart Disease Risk for Up to Eight Years

Recent research published in the European Heart Journal highlights the potential cardiovascular benefits of the shingles vaccine, revealing that individuals who receive the vaccine experience a 23% reduction in the risk of serious cardiovascular events such as strokes, heart failure, and coronary heart disease. This study, which analyzed data from over a million participants, indicates that the protective effects of the vaccine can last for as long as eight years.

The research was conducted by a team at Kyung Hee University College of Medicine in Seoul, South Korea. The findings suggest that the vaccine's impact is particularly significant among certain demographics, including men, individuals under 60, and those with less healthy lifestyles, such as smokers and those who consume alcohol excessively.

Shingles, caused by the varicella zoster virus, can lead to severe complications, especially among older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems. Previous estimates indicate that approximately 30% of individuals may develop shingles at some point in their lives without vaccination. This study aimed to explore whether vaccination could mitigate the associated risks of heart disease.

Researchers examined data from 1,271,922 participants aged 50 and older, collecting information about shingles vaccination and cardiovascular health, as well as various health-related factors, including age, gender, and socioeconomic status, from the year 2012 onward. The vaccine studied was a live zoster vaccine, which contains a weakened form of the virus. Many countries are transitioning to a non-live recombinant vaccine, which contains a specific protein from the virus.

The results indicated that vaccinated individuals had a notable decrease in the incidence of cardiovascular events: a 26% reduction in major cardiovascular events (including strokes, heart attacks, and heart disease-related deaths), a 26% reduction in heart failure, and a 22% reduction in coronary heart disease. The strongest protective effects were observed in the two to three years following vaccination, although benefits were still evident up to eight years later.

The lead researcher stated that these findings suggest that the shingles vaccine may provide heart health benefits beyond merely preventing shingles. The underlying mechanisms may include the vaccine's role in preventing inflammation and blood vessel damage associated with shingles, which can contribute to heart disease.

While the study provides substantial evidence, it is important to note that it was conducted within an Asian cohort, and the results may not be universally applicable. Additionally, since the live zoster vaccine is not suitable for all individuals, further research is necessary to evaluate the effects of the recombinant version of the vaccine on heart disease risk.

The research team plans to investigate the benefits of the recombinant vaccine in future studies to determine if it offers similar protective effects against heart disease.