Oxford study finds Shingrix linked to lower risk of heart attacks, strokes and heart failure

Researchers at Oxford University reported that receiving the newer shingles vaccine Shingrix was associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.

The observation follows earlier work by the same team that linked Shingrix to lower rates of dementia, suggesting the vaccine may have broader health effects.

In the analysis, older adults who had been vaccinated showed fewer heart attacks, strokes and incidents of heart failure compared with unvaccinated peers.

The authors note that the study is observational and cannot establish cause and effect, and that factors such as overall health and access to care could influence the results.

They say further research, including prospective trials, will be needed to confirm any cardiovascular benefit of the vaccine.