New benefits found for getting shingles vaccine
By American College of Cardiology
The analysis included more than 246,822 adults in the United
States with atherosclerotic heart disease, a condition caused by plaque buildup
in the arteries. The findings add to a growing body of evidence that the
shingles vaccine may do more than prevent shingles, with potential benefits
that extend to heart health and even conditions like dementia.
“This vaccine has been found over and over again to have cardioprotective effects for reducing heart attack, stroke and death,” said Robert Nguyen, MD, a resident physician at the University of California, Riverside and the study’s lead author.
“Looking at the highest risk population,
those with existing cardiovascular disease, these protective effects might
be even greater than among the general public.”
How the Shingles Vaccine May Protect the Heart
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
recommends shingles vaccination for adults aged 50 years and older, as well as
younger people with weakened immune systems. The vaccine protects against
herpes zoster, which causes a painful rash and can sometimes lead to long-term
nerve pain. This condition occurs when the virus that causes
chickenpox becomes active again later in life.
Earlier research has shown that shingles infections can
trigger the formation of blood clots near the brain and heart. These clots can
increase the risk of serious events such as heart attacks, strokes, and venous
thromboembolism. By preventing shingles, the vaccine may also help reduce the
chance of these dangerous complications.
Study Details and Key Findings
Researchers used TriNetX, a large database containing health
records from millions of Americans, to examine adults age 50 years or older
with atherosclerotic disease between 2018-2025. The study compared 123,411
people who received at least one dose of the Shingrix or Zostavax vaccine with
an equal number who were not vaccinated. Both groups were similar in
demographics and other health conditions.
The team focused on cardiac events occurring between one
month and one year after vaccination (or the same timeframe for those who were
not vaccinated). Across all outcomes, vaccinated individuals showed a lower
risk. They were 46% less likely to experience a major adverse cardiac event and
66% less likely to die from any cause. In addition, their risk of heart attack
dropped by 32%, stroke by 25%, and heart failure by 25%.
Nguyen said these reductions are substantial and comparable
to the benefits seen from quitting smoking. He added that the findings
reinforce current recommendations for adults over age 50 to receive the
shingles vaccine.
“Vaccines are one of the most important medicines we have to
prevent disease,” he said. “Sometimes patients are unsure about whether they
should get a vaccine or not, particularly in an age of disinformation. These
results provide another reason for them to elect to get the vaccine.”
Limitations and Long-Term Outlook
The study examined outcomes only during the first year after
vaccination, so the long-term effects may not be fully captured. However, a
previous study released in 2025 found that shingles vaccination was associated
with a 23% lower risk of cardiovascular events in a generally healthy
population, and the protective effects may last up to eight years.
Researchers also noted a potential limitation. People who
choose to get vaccinated may be more likely to engage in healthier behaviors
overall. While the study accounted for several health and socioeconomic factors
(including housing and economic circumstances, social environment, employment
status, education, and literacy), some of the observed benefits may still be
influenced by these differences. Even so, the study’s large size and
statistical methods support strong confidence in the link between shingles
vaccination and reduced cardiovascular risk.
