According to a study in the European Heart Journal, the live zoster vaccine may provide cardiovascular benefits in addition to preventing herpes zoster. In a cohort study in Korea involving over 1 million individuals aged 50 years and older, vaccination was associated with a 23% reduction in the risk of major cardiovascular events—including stroke, heart failure, and coronary heart disease—over a period of 8 years. Live zoster vaccination was associated with lower risks of overall cardiovascular events (hazard ratio 0.77, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.76–0.78), particularly major adverse cardiovascular events (0.74 [0.71–0.77]), heart failure (0.74 [0.70–0.77]), cerebrovascular disorders (0.76 [0.74–0.78]), ischemic heart disease (0.78 [0.76–0.80]), thrombotic disorders (0.78 [0.74–0.83]), and dysrhythmia (0.79 [0.77–0.81]). The benefit was most pronounced among men, individuals younger than 60, and those with behavioral risk factors such as smoking, alcohol use, or physical inactivity. By reducing the incidence of shingles, the vaccine may also reduce inflammatory and vascular complications.Â
Clue to other benefits: The study analyzed data from 2012-2021 and focused specifically on the live zoster vaccine formulation, which is being phased out in many countries in favor of a non-live, recombinant vaccine. In the United States, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has recommended 2 doses of the recombinant zoster vaccine for adults aged 50 and older since 2018. Even so, the heart journal authors believe future study on the recombinant vaccine may show similar benefits.