Industry Odisha Bureau, Aug 28: A new study published in Nature Medicine has linked the recombinant shingles vaccine to a lower risk of cardiovascular problems. These might include heart disease, stroke, and heart failure. For adults, it may offer benefits beyond protecting them from the painful infection.
The study looked at older adults in the US who received shingles vaccine during a major shift in vaccination practice in 2017 and 2018. Researchers compared people who received the older Zostavax vaccine with those who received the newer Shingrix vaccine.
The study included 36,460 adults aged 60 and above. Notably, people who mainly received the Shingrix had a 9% lower cardiovascular disease burden over seven years. They also had 9% more time without a cardiovascular diagnosis.
Meanwhile, the benefits varied across different conditions. Heart failure showed a 12% lower burden. The study also found a 7% lower burden of atrial fibrillation.
However researchers said that the findings do not prove that Shingrix prevents heart disease or stroke. The study used health records and cannot establish a direct cause and effect link. More clinical trials are needed to confirm the findings.
One possible explanation is the link between shingles, inflammation and cardiovascular health. Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus. Notably, this virus can cause inflammation and affect blood vessels.
Shingrix is recommended for adults aged 50 and above. It is a two-dose, non live vaccine. GSK launched it in India in the year 2023. It is important to note that the vaccine is not a part of India’s national immunization programme. Its cost and limited awareness remain barriers to wider use.
