Study finds newer Shingrix shingles vaccine linked to lower heart disease risk
A study of more than 70,000 people published in Nature Medicine found that those who received the current Shingrix shingles vaccine, rather than an older formulation, had a reduced risk of heart disease and heart failure. Researchers compared recipients of the two vaccine types rather than vaccinated versus unvaccinated people, a design meant to avoid the bias seen in earlier studies where healthier people were more likely to get vaccinated.
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Earlier claims about the shingles vaccine's protective effects against heart disease and dementia relied on comparisons prone to selection bias, since vaccinated people tend to be healthier overall. This more rigorous comparison strengthens the case for a real biological link, but experts caution that causation still hasn't been proven, meaning larger trials are needed before doctors recommend the vaccine specifically for heart protection.
- Shingrix recipients showed lower rates of heart disease and heart failure than those given an older shingles vaccine.
- The study design compared two vaccinated groups, reducing bias that plagued prior observational research.
- Researchers stress a causal link is not yet confirmed and further studies are required.
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See Omron Platinum Blood Pressure Monitor on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: nature.com — Conroy, 2026-08-26
Published there as: “Does the shingles vaccine cut heart disease risk? Mounting evidence suggests a link”
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