Shingles vaccine could cut risk of major cardiovascular events, research finds

Since the approval of Zostavax in 2006, people have been able to protect themselves against shingles by getting the shingles vaccine . In 2017, Shingrix received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and quickly became the preferred vaccine, with public health bodies thereafter recommending it over Zostavax.

Researchers estimate that one in three people will develop shingles, with risk increasing with age. For this reason, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recommend that adults ages 50 and over receive 2 doses of the shingles vaccine.

Similarly, the risk of cardiovascular events also increases with age due to changes in the heart and blood vessels. For example, heart attacks are most common in adults aged 65 and older, and more than 70% of all strokes also occur in this population.

Previous research suggests that the shingles vaccine may offer additional health benefits, such as reducing the risk of cardiovascular events. Now, a new study that will be presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session (ACC.26) on March 30, adds to this research.