How the Shingles Vaccine Fights Vascular Dementia and Heart Disease
- 24 oct
- 2 Min. de lectura
A significant piece of research presented at IDWeek 2025 is reshaping the conversation around adult immunization, suggesting that the Shingles vaccine offers substantial protection far beyond preventing the painful rash associated with herpes zoster. The study, analyzing electronic health records from over 174,000 patients aged 50 and older, found that vaccination is tied to significant reductions in the risks of dementia, heart disease, and death.
The findings, presented by researchers from Case Western Reserve University, indicate that the shingles vaccine (such as Shingrix, recommended for those 50 and older) may be a powerful tool against major cardiovascular and neurological complications. Compared to pneumococcal vaccination, receiving the Shingles vaccine was associated with a 50% lower risk of vascular dementia.
This protection extended clearly into cardiovascular health: vaccinated adults saw a 27% reduction in the risk of blood clots and a 25% lower risk of heart attack or stroke. Furthermore, the study noted a 21% lower risk of death.
As Dr. Ali Dehghani, doctor of internal medicine and the presenting author, noted, "Shingles is more than just a rash—it can raise the risk of serious problems for the heart and brain". Shingles is known to trigger cardiovascular and neurologic complications, and experts suggest these new findings support the idea that the Shingles vaccine prevents these complications by controlling the widespread inflammation caused by the virus. Dr. Dehghani emphasized that the vaccine's benefits may extend far beyond preventing the infection itself, highlighting how reducing inflammation early can have lasting effects on the heart, brain, and overall survival.
In Other Public Health News
While vaccination against shingles takes the spotlight, infectious disease activity remains a concern across the US and globally:
Mpox Update: California officials are tracking community spread of the more severe Clade 1 mpox. Three recent cases were locally acquired in Los Angeles County, meaning the individuals had not traveled internationally. All three patients required hospitalization, indicating that person-to-person spread is occurring, primarily impacting communities of gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men. State officials urge people who may be at risk to receive both doses of the Jynneos mpox vaccine.
Measles Warning: Officials in Minnesota confirmed a new measles case in an unvaccinated child under the age of five from Olmsted County who had a recent history of international travel. This brings the state's total to at least 21 cases this year. County officials stressed that immunization with the MMR vaccine is the best preventive measure.
Global Antibiotic Concerns: An analysis of antibiotic sales data from 2010 through 2021 revealed shifting global consumption patterns. While consumption decreased in most high-income countries, it increased in most upper-middle-income and low- and middle-income countries. Increases were particularly noted in the WHO Southeast Asian and African regions. Despite a rise in the use of WHO-recommended "Access" group antibiotics, many countries, including India, China, South Korea, and Japan, still fall short of the WHO target of 60% consumption for Access-group antibiotics, highlighting an urgent need to strengthen monitoring systems.
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