Vaccine for shingles may decrease likelihood of heart attack and stroke, research suggests

The latest research, funded by pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), which produces a shingles vaccine, indicates that the vaccine may potentially curb the risks of stroke and heart attack in adults aged 50 and older.

The study, conducted by a team led by Dr Charles Williams, the global associate medical director of global medical affairs - vaccines at GSK, analysed data from 19 existing studies. The findings suggest that both types of shingles vaccines, RZV and ZVL, are associated with a lower risk of heart problems in vaccinated individuals.

The analysis found that shingles vaccines may lower the risk of serious heart problems by 18%. However, it's important to note that most of the data for the study came from observational studies, which cannot definitively prove a causal relationship between the vaccine and the reduced risk of heart attack and stroke.

Dr Williams called for additional studies to confirm whether the observed association can be attributed to the effect of herpes zoster vaccination. The findings of the study have not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal.

The varicella-zoster virus causes both shingles and chickenpox. Shingles causes a painful rash of fluid-filled blisters that can take weeks to clear up. It's a condition that primarily affects older adults, making the potential heart health benefits of the shingles vaccine particularly significant for this age group.

This latest study adds to the growing body of research investigating the health benefits of the shingles vaccine beyond preventing the infection itself. Earlier this year, independent research found that the shingles vaccine may lower the risk of dementia.

The results of the study are being presented at the 2025 European Society of Cardiology Congress in Madrid. While the findings are encouraging, it's crucial to await further research and peer-reviewed publication for a more definitive understanding of the relationship between the shingles vaccine and heart health.