of shingles vaccine Shingles is meant to prevent the painful rash caused by reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, also known as shingles, but new research suggests it may have a major side effect.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have identified a potential link between the shingles vaccine and a reduced risk of developing shingles. vascular dementia.
The vaccine has also been associated with a significantly lower risk of cardiovascular events and death in people over 50.
Experts presented their findings last week at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, site of IDWEEK 2025, the joint annual meeting of the major U.S. infectious disease societies.
Study authors examined the health records of 174,000 U.S. adults and followed vaccinated participants for three months to up to seven years.
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Participants who received the shingles vaccine had about half the risk of developing vascular dementia.
They also had a 25% lower risk of: heart attack or strokeIt reduces the risk of blood clots by 27% and the risk of death by 21%, according to a news release from the Infectious Diseases Society of America.
“Our findings show that the shingles vaccine may help lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes, especially in people who are already at high risk for them,” author Dr. Ali Deghani, an internist at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio, said in the IDSA report.
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Shingles is a red, blistering, painful rash caused by reactivation of the virus that causes chickenpox. potential varicella zoster virus After contracting chickenpox, it remains latent in the body. Health experts told Fox News Digital that it can become active later in life and cause shingles.
Previous studies have shown that this condition can lead to cardiovascular and neurological complications.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in three Americans has shingles, and more than 99% of people born before 1980 have had chickenpox.
“Shingles is more than just a rash and can increase your risk of serious problems. heart and brain” Deghani said in a news release.
Infectious disease experts say these latest findings build on past research showing that vaccines can help protect individuals from shingles and related complications.
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“This very interesting study…confirmed previous evidence that the shingles vaccine may offer several benefits. general health conditionIn addition to preventing a very painful and common disease known as shingles, it also includes preventing the onset of dementia,” Dr. Aaron Glatt, ISDA spokesperson and board-certified infectious disease physician at Mount Sinai South Nassau in Oceanside, New York, told FOX News Digital.
Although these findings are “very exciting and potentially clinically important,” Glatt, who was not involved in the study, said it remains to be proven whether these benefits are due to the shingles vaccine.
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The doctors noted that there are a number of mechanisms that could contribute to this association, including decreased inflammation.
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Although more research is needed, Professor Glatt said: “We are very relieved to see that the shingles vaccine is indeed associated with overall significant symptoms.” health benefits Beyond its original purpose. ”
CDC recommends two doses of recombinant shingles vaccine (RZV) to prevent shingles and related complications in older adults Over 50 years oldand adults 19 years and older who are immunocompromised or immunosuppressed or who may become immunocompromised.
