A new study published in the European Heart Journal has found that receiving the shingles vaccine can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. People who received the vaccine were 23% less likely to experience major cardiovascular events such as stroke, heart failure, and coronary heart disease.
The protective effect of the vaccine can last up to eight years. Researchers noted the benefits were most noticeable in men, individuals under 60, and people with unhealthy habits such as smoking, drinking alcohol, or leading a sedentary lifestyle.
The study was led by Professor Dong Keon Yon from Kyung Hee University College of Medicine in Seoul, South Korea. “Shingles causes a painful rash and can lead to serious complications, especially in older adults and people with weakened immune systems,” said Professor Yon. “Without vaccination, about 30% of people will develop shingles at some point in their lives.”
He explained that previous research has linked shingles to an increased risk of heart issues, prompting his team to investigate whether vaccination could lower this risk.
The research analyzed data from 1,271,922 people aged 50 or older in South Korea, starting in 2012. Scientists tracked whether individuals received the shingles vaccine and compared that data with their heart health records. They also accounted for factors such as age, sex, income, and lifestyle.
The vaccine used in the study was a live zoster vaccine, which includes a weakened form of the virus that causes shingles. In many countries, this version is being replaced by a non-live, recombinant vaccine that uses a viral protein instead of the live virus.
Professor Yon emphasized that the results may not apply to all populations. “This study was based on an Asian cohort, so findings may not reflect outcomes in other groups,” he said. “Also, the live zoster vaccine is not suitable for everyone, so further research on the recombinant vaccine is needed.”
He added that while the study was carefully conducted, it does not prove a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Other health factors may have influenced the results.
Professor Yon and his team plan to study the recombinant vaccine next to determine whether it offers similar heart-protective benefits.
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