Shingles Vaccine Reduces Major Cardiac Events 46%
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- The study presented at the ACC.26 annual scientific session found that among high‑risk patients, receiving a shingles vaccine reduced major adverse cardiac events by 46% and all‑cause mortality by 66% within one year.
- Researchers examined records from more than 246,822 U.S. adults with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, comparing 123,411 vaccinated individuals (Shingrix or Zostavax) with an equal number unvaccinated.
- Vaccinated individuals experienced a 32% lower risk of heart attack, a 25% lower risk of stroke, and a 25% lower risk of heart failure in the first year after vaccination.
- CDC currently recommends the shingles vaccine for adults aged 50 years and older and for younger people with weakened immune systems.
- Robert Nguyen, MD of the University of California, Riverside, the study’s lead author, said the cardiovascular benefits appear comparable to those of quitting smoking.
- The analysis tracked outcomes only for the first year after vaccination, and while adjustments were made for health and socioeconomic factors, residual confounding cannot be ruled out.
- A 2025 study previously reported a 23% reduction in cardiovascular events among generally healthy adults, with benefits persisting up to eight years.
Why it matters: Patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease gain a dramatic reduction in heart attacks, strokes, and mortality, while clinicians may see fewer costly events; the data also bolsters CDC guidance, making a stronger case for routine vaccination in this high‑risk group and could lower healthcare spending.
