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Sep 4, 20265 min read
Shingles Vaccine May Reduce Cardiovascular Disease Risk by 9%
A recent study found that the recombinant shingles vaccine (Shingrix) may reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease by 9% compared to the older live vaccine
Updated: Sep 9, 2026
Original Groundwork Analysis & Fact-Check
A recent study published in Nature Medicine has found that the recombinant shingles vaccine (Shingrix) may reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease by 9% compared to the older live vaccine (Zostavax).
Understanding the Study
The study, which analyzed data from over 72,000 adults aged 60 and over, found that those who received Shingrix had a 9% lower cardiovascular disease burden over a 7-year period. The researchers compared the cardiovascular outcomes of individuals who received Shingrix with those who received Zostavax before its discontinuation in the United States in 2020. They also noted that this was an observational study, which means they cannot prove cause and effect. More research is needed to understand how shingles vaccination may affect cardiovascular disease risk.
Why Might the Recombinant Shingles Vaccine Benefit Heart Health?
The study examined the cardiovascular outcomes of adults who received the live shingles vaccine between April and September 2017, and those who received the recombinant vaccine between April and September 2018. The researchers found that those who received Shingrix had a 9% lower cardiovascular disease burden over 7 years compared with those who received Zostavax.
Specific Reductions in Cardiovascular Events
The researchers found specific reductions in cardiovascular events among those who had the Shingrix vaccine, including:
- 10% lower burden of coronary heart disease
- 12% lower burden of heart failure
- 12% lower burden of ischemic stroke in men, with no significant association in women
- 7% lower burden of atrial fibrillation (AFib)
Possible Explanations for the Association
Experts in the field have offered possible explanations for this association. Kevin Shah, MD, a board-certified cardiologist and Program Director of Heart Failure Outreach at MemorialCare Heart & Vascular Institute at Long Beach Medical Center, suggested that one possible explanation is inflammation. According to Dr. Shah, 'inflammation is a key player in the development of cardiovascular disease, and the Shingrix vaccine may be reducing inflammation in the body, which in turn is reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.'
Inflammation and Cardiovascular Disease
Inflammation is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and it is thought to play a key role in the development of atherosclerosis, the underlying cause of most cardiovascular events. The Shingrix vaccine contains a recombinant form of the varicella-zoster virus, which is the virus that causes shingles. The vaccine works by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies against the virus, which in turn reduces the risk of shingles and may also reduce inflammation in the body.
Other Possible Explanations
Other possible explanations for the association between the Shingrix vaccine and reduced cardiovascular disease risk include the following:
- The Shingrix vaccine may be reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease by reducing the risk of shingles, which can cause inflammation and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- The Shingrix vaccine may be reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease by reducing the risk of other age-related diseases, such as dementia and osteoporosis, which are also associated with inflammation.
- The Shingrix vaccine may be reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease by reducing the risk of other cardiovascular risk factors, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
The study found that the recombinant shingles vaccine (Shingrix) may reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease by 9% compared to the older live vaccine (Zostavax). The researchers found specific reductions in cardiovascular events among those who had the Shingrix vaccine, including a 10% lower burden of coronary heart disease, a 12% lower burden of heart failure, and a 12% lower burden of ischemic stroke in men. While the exact mechanisms underlying this association are not yet fully understood, experts in the field have offered possible explanations, including inflammation. Further research is needed to understand how shingles vaccination may affect cardiovascular disease risk.
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Editorial Analysis
Maya Okafor • Health & Tech Writer
“While the study found a significant association between the Shingrix vaccine and reduced cardiovascular disease risk, more research is needed to understand the exact mechanisms underlying this association.”
Frequently asked questions
What is the Shingrix vaccine?▼
The Shingrix vaccine is a recombinant shingles vaccine that is designed to reduce the risk of shingles and its complications, including cardiovascular disease.
How does the Shingrix vaccine work?▼
The Shingrix vaccine works by stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies against the varicella-zoster virus, which is the virus that causes shingles. This reduces the risk of shingles and may also reduce inflammation in the body.
What are the potential benefits of the Shingrix vaccine?▼
The study found that the Shingrix vaccine may reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease by 9% compared to the older live vaccine (Zostavax). The researchers found specific reductions in cardiovascular events among those who had the Shingrix vaccine, including a 10% lower burden of coronary heart disease, a 12% lower burden of heart failure, and a 12% lower burden of ischemic stroke in men.
What are the potential risks of the Shingrix vaccine?▼
The Shingrix vaccine is generally well-tolerated, but it may cause side effects such as pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site. More serious side effects, such as anaphylaxis and Guillain-Barré syndrome, are rare but may occur.
Who should receive the Shingrix vaccine?▼
The Shingrix vaccine is recommended for adults aged 50 and over, particularly those who are at high risk of shingles and its complications, including cardiovascular disease.
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How to Cite This Research Guide
Maya Okafor (2026). Shingles Vaccine May Reduce Cardiovascular Disease Risk by 9%. Groundwork. Retrieved from https://gworky.com/article/shingles-vaccine-may-reduce-cardiovascular-disease-risk
License: CC BY-NC 4.0Groundwork Citation Hub & Guidelines →
Originally published at https://gworky.com/article/shingles-vaccine-may-reduce-cardiovascular-disease-risk — Groundwork Evidence-Based Research.
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Written byLead AnalystPrimary Research
Maya Okafor
Health & Tech Writer
Senior Clinical Sciences AnalystNutritional Biochemistry ResearcherEvidence-Based Protocol Lead
Maya Okafor is a Senior Clinical Sciences Analyst focusing on evidence-based dietary interventions, metabolic longevity markers, and pharmaceutical compounding compliance. Her research bridges molecular biology and applied lifestyle medicine, auditing commercial dietary supplements and evaluating peer-reviewed evidence to help readers distinguish scientifically validated regimens from marketing wellness hype.
Fact-Checked byReview BoardIndependent Audit
Sarah Lin
Health Data Analyst
Sarah Lin heads clinical analysis for the Body & Health Sciences Desk at Groundwork. She directs primary meta-analyses of peer-reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) indexed in PubMed, evaluating metabolic health, cardiovascular biomarkers, and preventative nutrition protocols. Lin ensures Groundwork's health calculators and wellness guides strictly conform to clinical evidence standards and public health guidelines.
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