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A large-scale study published in the European Heart Journal has revealed that receiving the shingles vaccine can lower the risk of cardiovascular events-including stroke, heart failure, and coronary heart disease-by 23% for up to eight years. The research, led by Professor Dong Keon Yon from Kyung Hee University College of Medicine in Seoul, South Korea, analyzed health data from over 1.2 million adults aged 50 and older.
Key Findings
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23% lower overall risk of cardiovascular events in vaccinated individuals
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26% reduction in major cardiovascular events such as stroke, heart attack, or death from heart disease
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26% lower risk of heart failure
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22% decreased risk of coronary heart disease
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Protective effects were strongest within two to three years post-vaccination but persisted for up to eight years
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Benefits were particularly notable among men, people under 60, and those with unhealthy lifestyles (smoking, alcohol consumption, inactivity)
Study Details
The study utilized nationwide health records from South Korea starting in 2012, combining vaccination status with cardiovascular health outcomes and adjusting for variables such as age, sex, socioeconomic status, and lifestyle factors. The vaccine studied was a live zoster vaccine, which contains a weakened form of the varicella zoster virus responsible for shingles. This vaccine is gradually being replaced in many countries by a non-live recombinant vaccine.
Professor Yon explained, “Shingles can cause blood vessel damage, inflammation, and clot formation, all of which increase heart disease risk. By preventing shingles, vaccination may reduce these risks and provide cardiovascular benefits beyond just preventing the rash.”
Implications and Future Research
This research is one of the largest and most comprehensive to date examining the link between shingles vaccination and cardiovascular health. It suggests that the vaccine could be an important tool in reducing heart disease risk, even among those without traditional risk factors.
However, the authors caution that the study does not prove a direct cause-and-effect relationship and that results may not be generalizable beyond the Asian population studied. They also highlight the need for further investigation into the effects of the recombinant shingles vaccine, which is now more widely used.
Professor Yon and his team plan to continue their research to better understand how different shingles vaccines impact cardiovascular outcomes.
Disclaimer
This article summarizes findings from a peer-reviewed study published in the European Heart Journal. While the study shows a strong association between shingles vaccination and reduced cardiovascular risk, it does not establish a direct causal link. Individuals should consult healthcare professionals before making decisions about vaccination or cardiovascular disease prevention. The findings may not be applicable to all populations, and ongoing research is needed to confirm these results and explore the effects of newer vaccine formulations.
Source:
Dong Keon Yon et al., “Live zoster vaccination and cardiovascular outcomes: a nationwide, South Korean study,” European Heart Journal, May 2025.
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