Shingles Vaccine May Reduce Heart Disease Risk for Up to Eight Years, Large Study Finds

Recent research published in the European Heart Journal highlights a significant health benefit of the shingles vaccine beyond its primary purpose of preventing shingles. The study, involving over a million individuals aged 50 and above in South Korea, found that those who received the shingles vaccine experienced a 23% reduction in the risk of cardiovascular events, including stroke, heart failure, and coronary heart disease. Notably, this protective effect persisted for up to eight years post-vaccination.

The study further revealed that the benefits were most pronounced within the first two to three years after vaccination, with particular effectiveness observed in men, individuals under 60, and those with unhealthy lifestyles such as smoking, alcohol consumption, or physical inactivity.

Led by Professor Dong Keon Yon from Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, the research underscores the potential of the shingles vaccine to contribute to cardiovascular health. The vaccine used in the study was a live zoster vaccine, containing a weakened form of the varicella zoster virus, which causes shingles. In many countries, however, this is being replaced by a recombinant, non-live vaccine.

The findings indicate that vaccination may prevent shingles-related complications that can damage blood vessels, trigger inflammation, or promote clot formation, all of which can increase the risk of heart disease. The study suggests that the immune response elicited by the vaccine may help mitigate these risks, especially in younger populations and men.

Professor Yon emphasized the robustness of the study, citing its long follow-up period of up to 12 years and the extensive data accounting for various health and socioeconomic factors. While the research was conducted on an Asian cohort, and thus may not be directly applicable to all populations, it opens avenues for further exploration. Ongoing studies are planned to assess whether the recombinant vaccine confers similar cardiovascular benefits.

Overall, this research points to the added health advantage of shingles vaccination, underscoring its potential role in reducing cardiovascular disease risk and promoting broader health outcomes.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-shingles-vaccine-lowers-heart-disease.html