What if a simple vaccine could do more than just stop a painful rash—what if it could also protect your heart?
That’s exactly what new research on the shingles jab is hinting at.
Shingles, caused by the same virus that triggers chickenpox, isn’t just an itchy nuisance.
It can lead to deafness, vision loss, and lifelong nerve pain—especially in older adults.
What’s The Twist?
A new global study suggests the vaccine could also cut your risk of heart attack or stroke by nearly 20%.
The data, set to be unveiled at the European Society of Cardiology conference in Madrid.
It comes from the first-ever worldwide systematic review and meta-analysis on this topic.
Researchers found that adults who received the shingles vaccine had an 18% lower chance of heart attack or stroke.
Those over 50 saw a 16% reduction in cardiovascular events.
“Vaccination against herpes zoster was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular events,” said Dr. Charles Williams of GSK, the study’s lead author.
Experts not involved in the research are intrigued but cautious.
As Professor Bryan Williams of the British Heart Foundation put it: “Far more research is needed… .”
“But by preventing shingles, vaccination could be protective.”
So, is the shingles jab quietly doubling as heart medicine? Science hasn’t fully answered yet—but the possibility is hard to ignore.
