Shingles, a painful skin condition caused by the varicella-zoster virus (the same virus that causes chickenpox), may pose serious health risks beyond just a rash.
A recent study suggests that shingles can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes, especially in the first month after an outbreak. However, the shingles vaccine may significantly reduce these risks.
Why Shingles Can Be Dangerous
After someone recovers from chickenpox, the virus doesn’t leave the body. Instead, it stays dormant in the nervous system and can reactivate later in life as shingles. This is more common in older adults and people with weakened immune systems.
When shingles reactivates, it can cause nerve inflammation, which may lead to serious complications. If the virus affects facial nerves, the risk of stroke can double or even triple. This is why experts emphasize the importance of getting vaccinated against shingles.
The Shingles Vaccine: More Than Just Rash Protection
The shingles vaccine isn’t just for preventing the rash—it may also help protect the heart and brain. According to research led by James Mbinta, the vaccine lowers the risk of heart attacks and strokes, especially in the first six weeks after getting vaccinated.
Researchers studied hospitalization data for two time periods:
- The first 42 days after vaccination
- A later period, 72 to 162 days post-vaccination
They found that fewer people were hospitalized for heart attacks and strokes in the first period, suggesting that the vaccine might cut these risks nearly in half.
Study Findings from New Zealand and Australia
The study analyzed data from 278,375 adults in New Zealand who received the shingles vaccine between 2018 and 2021. Most participants were aged 70 or older, showing that the vaccine may be particularly helpful for older adults.
Professor Colin Simpson, another researcher, noted that similar studies in Australia found fewer strokes in vaccinated adults aged 70 to 79. These results align with earlier research showing that the shingles vaccine also lowers the risk of post-shingles nerve pain, a long-lasting complication.
Who Should Consider the Shingles Vaccine?
One in three people will develop shingles at some point in life, and the risk increases with age. For those 70 and older, the vaccine offers protection not only from shingles but also from serious heart-related risks.
As with any vaccine, it’s important to consider both benefits and potential risks. Talking to a healthcare provider can help individuals decide if the shingles vaccine is the right choice for them.
A Simple Step for Heart and Brain Health
This study highlights a surprising benefit of the shingles vaccine: its potential to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes in older adults. Given its ability to provide early protection against these life-threatening conditions, the vaccine could play an important role in promoting long-term heart and brain health.
If you care about stroke, please read studies about how to eat to prevent stroke, and diets high in flavonoids could help reduce stroke risk.
For more information about health, please see recent studies about how Mediterranean diet could protect your brain health, and wild blueberries can benefit your heart and brain.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
