A recent study has uncovered potential long-term health benefits associated with the shingles vaccine, suggesting it may significantly lower the risk of vascular dementia and cardiovascular issues in adults aged 50 and older. Led by researchers at Case Western Reserve University, the study highlights the vaccine’s possible role in preventing these conditions, which are major causes of disability and mortality in older populations.
The research team analyzed health records of 174,000 adults who received the shingles vaccine and followed their health outcomes over a period of up to seven years. The results indicate that vaccinated individuals had about half the risk of developing vascular dementia, alongside a 25% lower risk of heart attacks and strokes, a 27% reduced risk of blood clots, and a 21% lower risk of death. These findings were presented at IDWEEK 2025, a prominent annual gathering for infectious disease professionals, underscoring the growing recognition of the vaccine’s potential beyond its primary medical purpose.
Dr. Ali Dehghani, the presenting author of the study and a physician at Case Western Reserve University’s School of Medicine, emphasized that the vaccine may offer additional benefits to individuals who are already at higher risk for heart disease or stroke. He noted that while these findings are promising, further research is necessary to establish the exact mechanisms by which the vaccine might confer such protection. Dr. Aaron Glatt, a spokesperson for the Infectious Disease Society of America, echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the study’s significance but cautioning that more evidence is required to confirm the direct causal relationship between the vaccine and the observed health outcomes.
The study adds to a growing body of evidence supporting the broader health benefits of the shingles vaccine. Previous research has already demonstrated its effectiveness in preventing shingles itself, with the CDC recommending two doses of the recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) for adults aged 50 and older, as well as for those at higher risk of immunosuppression. While these findings are viewed as exciting by many in the medical community, the need for further validation remains clear. As more research is conducted, the potential of the shingles vaccine to provide protection against a range of age-related health conditions continues to emerge, offering new hope for older adults seeking to maintain their physical and cognitive well-being.