This Vaccine May Do More Than You Think

Two For One: Getting a jab is a pain. Literally and figuratively. Scheduling an appointment, taking time off of work, sitting in a waiting room all to get poked — even if it’s to your benefit — can sometimes be enough to prompt us to procrastinate. But according to a study published in Nature Medicine, a new shingles vaccine may do double the work.

The Study: Researchers collected data from 70,000 adults ages 60 and older in the United States. They compared the cardiovascular outcomes of those who’d received the older live-attenuated shingles vaccine and those who’d gotten the newer, more effective recombinant vaccine. After a seven-year follow-up, the newer vaccine (called Shingrix) was associated with a 9% decrease in overall cardiovascular burden; 10% less ischemic heart disease; 12% less heart failure; 12% less stroke (only in men); and 7% less atrial fibrillation. 

The Takeaway: This observational study supports previous research about shingles vaccination and cardiovascular health. Researchers say if these findings are confirmed, the benefits are comparable to taking daily blood-pressure medication. While the changes are small, they’re significant, as stroke and heart disease are top causes of death. 

Keep in Mind: Future clinical trials could determine causation, but so far research has only indicated an association. What we do know is that, even if it’s a chore, getting the shot is beneficial for people 50 and older.