Shingles Vaccine Linked to Lower Heart Event Risk in People with Heart Disease

A common vaccine, widely used to prevent shingles, appears to offer significant protection against serious cardiac events in people with existing heart disease. Recent research, presented this week at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session (ACC.26), suggests that those who received the shingles vaccine experienced nearly half the rate of major heart-related events within a year compared to their unvaccinated counterparts. The findings add to a growing body of evidence indicating the vaccine’s potential benefits extend beyond preventing the painful shingles rash.

The study, which analyzed data from over 246,822 U.S. Adults diagnosed with atherosclerotic heart disease – a condition characterized by plaque buildup in the arteries – revealed a substantial reduction in risk among vaccinated individuals. Researchers found a 46% lower likelihood of experiencing a major adverse cardiac event and a remarkable 66% reduction in all-cause mortality. Specifically, the risk of heart attack decreased by 32%, stroke by 25%, and heart failure by 25% in the vaccinated group.

Beyond Shingles: Unpacking the Cardioprotective Effect

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) currently recommends the shingles vaccine – either Shingrix or the older Zostavax – for all adults aged 50 and older, as well as for younger individuals with compromised immune systems. The CDC provides detailed information on shingles vaccination, including who should get vaccinated and potential side effects. The vaccine targets Herpes zoster, the virus that causes shingles, which is a reactivation of the virus responsible for chickenpox. But how could a vaccine designed to prevent a rash also protect the heart?

Scientists theorize that shingles infections can trigger the formation of blood clots around the heart and brain, increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and venous thromboembolism. By preventing the shingles infection itself, the vaccine may also prevent these dangerous clotting events. Dr. Robert Nguyen, lead author of the study and a resident physician at the University of California, Riverside, emphasized the consistent findings: “This vaccine has been found over and over again to have cardioprotective effects for reducing heart attack, stroke and death.” He added that the protective effects may be even more pronounced in individuals already living with cardiovascular disease.

Study Details and Considerations

The research team utilized data from TriNetX, a vast database containing medical records from millions of Americans. The analysis focused on adults aged 50 and older with atherosclerotic disease between 2018 and 2025, comparing outcomes between 123,411 vaccinated individuals and an equal number who remained unvaccinated. Both groups were carefully matched to ensure similarities in demographics and other relevant health conditions. The American College of Cardiology’s press release provides further details on the study methodology.

It’s important to note that this study observed an association between shingles vaccination and reduced cardiac risk; it does not definitively prove causation. Whereas researchers adjusted for several factors – including housing stability, socioeconomic status, employment, education, and literacy – the possibility remains that vaccinated individuals may also be more likely to engage in other health-promoting behaviors. This is a common challenge in observational studies, where it’s difficult to control for all potential confounding variables.

Contextualizing the Risk Reduction

Dr. Nguyen highlighted the significance of the observed risk reductions, stating they are comparable to the benefits seen from quitting smoking. This analogy helps to illustrate the magnitude of the potential impact. However, it’s crucial to understand the difference between relative and absolute risk. While the study reported a 46% reduction in major cardiac events, this is a relative risk reduction. The absolute risk reduction – the actual difference in event rates between the two groups – would provide a more complete picture of the benefit.

the study only tracked outcomes for one year after vaccination. Previous research, published in 2025, suggested that the cardiovascular benefits of shingles vaccination could last up to eight years. ScienceDaily’s coverage of the study details these longer-term findings. Ongoing research will be essential to determine the durability of these protective effects.

What Does This Mean for Patients?

These findings reinforce the current recommendations for adults over the age of 50 to receive the shingles vaccine. The vaccine is generally well-tolerated, with common side effects including pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site, fatigue, and headache. Serious adverse events are rare. It’s important for individuals to discuss the potential benefits and risks of vaccination with their healthcare provider to make an informed decision.

The study’s lead author, Dr. Nguyen, emphasized the importance of vaccination in an era of misinformation: “Vaccines are one of the most important medicines we have to prevent disease. Sometimes patients are unsure about whether they should get a vaccine or not, particularly in an age of disinformation. These results provide another reason for them to elect to get the vaccine.”

Looking Ahead: Further Research and Guidance Updates

Dr. Nguyen will present the full study findings on Monday, March 30, at the ACC.26 conference. The presentation, titled “Herpes Zoster Vaccination and Risk of Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease,” will be available in Posters, Hall E. This presentation will likely spark further discussion and scrutiny within the medical community.

The findings may prompt a review of current vaccination guidelines by public health organizations like the CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO’s website provides information on their vaccination recommendations and ongoing research. It’s also possible that future studies will investigate the underlying mechanisms by which the shingles vaccine exerts its cardioprotective effects, potentially leading to the development of new strategies for preventing cardiovascular disease.

For now, the evidence suggests that the shingles vaccine offers a valuable, and potentially life-saving, benefit for individuals at risk of heart disease. Staying informed about the latest research and discussing vaccination options with a qualified healthcare professional remains the best course of action.