Shingles vaccine linked to 9% lower cardiovascular burden in new study

• In 2017, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of the recombinant zoster vaccine Shingrix for shingles to eventually replace the live-virus vaccine Zostavax.
• Over the last few years, researchers have found Shingrix may help in other areas of a person’s health, including lower cardiovascular disease risk.
• A new study found people who receive Shingrix have a 9% reduction in cardiovascular burden during the 7 years after receiving the vaccine.

In 2017, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of a new shingles vaccine called a recombinant zoster vaccine (brand name Shingrix) to eventually replace the use of the live-virus shingles vaccine Zostavax.

The Centers for Disease Commission and Control (CDC) recommend that adults aged 50 and older should receive 2 doses of the recombinant zoster vaccine to help prevent shingles.

Over the last few years, researchers have examined how Shingrix may help in other areas of health. Past studies show evidence that the recombinant zoster vaccine may also lower a person’s risk for dementia and cardiovascular disease.

Now, a new study published in the journal Nature Medicine adds to what we know about Shingrix and heart disease risk.

Scientists found that people who receive Shingrix have a 9% reduction in cardiovascular burden during the 7 years after receiving the vaccine.