Shingrix vaccine shows added cardiovascular benefits over older shot
A study of over 72,000 older adults found that those receiving the newer Shingrix vaccine had lower rates of stroke and heart failure compared to those given the older Zostavax. The effect may stem from the AS01 adjuvant, which could dampen inflammation. This adds to evidence that shingles vaccination offers benefits beyond preventing the infection.
The study compared adults who received Zostavax just before its US phase-out with those given Shingrix shortly after, using the 2017 vaccine switch as a natural experiment. Shingrix contains the AS01 adjuvant, which may alter immune cell behavior to reduce inflammation—a plausible mechanism for the lower rates of stroke, heart failure, and clogged arteries seen over 3.5 years. The protective effect, though modest in percentage terms, could translate to many prevented cases given the high baseline burden of cardiovascular disease. The benefit persisted, though diminished, over the following 3.5 years.
This finding could reinforce public health messaging around shingles vaccination, potentially boosting uptake among older adults who might otherwise skip it. If the cardiovascular benefit is real, it may reduce long-term healthcare costs and disability from heart disease and stroke. However, the effect size is small, and individual risk varies, so it should not replace standard cardiovascular prevention. The study’s design strengthens causal claims, but broader population impact depends on vaccination rates, which remain below half of eligible US adults.