A study published in Nature Medicine suggests the recombinant shingles vaccine, Shingrix, may be associated with a 9% lower cardiovascular disease burden compared to the older Zostavax vaccine.
Key facts
- •The study analyzed cardiovascular outcomes for 72,920 adults aged 60 and older.
- •Shingrix is a two-dose recombinant vaccine, while the discontinued Zostavax was a single-dose live vaccine.
- •Researchers observed lower rates of heart failure, coronary heart disease, and atrial fibrillation in Shingrix recipients.
- •Experts suggest the vaccine may reduce cardiovascular risk by lowering inflammatory markers like IL-6.
- •The CDC recommends shingles vaccination for all adults 50 and older.
A study published in Nature Medicine on August 26 indicates that the recombinant shingles vaccine, Shingrix, is associated with a 9% lower cardiovascular disease burden than the older live vaccine, Zostavax. Researchers observed reduced instances of coronary heart disease, heart failure, ischemic stroke in men, and atrial fibrillation among those who received Shingrix. The findings were based on an observational study of 72,920 adults aged 60 and older.
By the numbers
Study Methodology and Findings
The study compared cardiovascular outcomes in 72,920 adults over 60, split into two groups based on when they received their shingles vaccination. One group received the live Zostavax vaccine between April and September 2017, while the other received the recombinant Shingrix vaccine between April and September 2018. Researchers tracked outcomes over a seven-year period, finding a 9% lower cardiovascular disease burden in the Shingrix group.
Potential Biological Mechanisms
Medical experts suggest that the reduction in cardiovascular events may be linked to the vaccine's impact on inflammation. Shingles can trigger a significant inflammatory response, and chronic inflammation is a known factor in atherosclerosis and heart disease. The study authors noted a decrease in IL-6, an inflammatory marker, suggesting the vaccine may act as an anti-inflammatory agent. Experts cautioned that the study is observational and does not prove direct cause and effect.
Vaccine Differences and Recommendations
Zostavax, a live attenuated vaccine, was discontinued in the United States in 2020 following a transition to Shingrix that began in 2017. Shingrix is a two-dose recombinant vaccine that offers approximately 90% protection against shingles, whereas Zostavax was a single-dose vaccine with 50%–60% effectiveness that waned over time. The CDC currently recommends the shingles vaccine for all adults 50 and older, as well as immunocompromised adults 19 and older.
Timeline
- April to September 2017Half of the study participants received the live Zostavax vaccine.
- 2017The United States began transitioning from Zostavax to the Shingrix vaccine.
- April to September 2018Half of the study participants received the recombinant Shingrix vaccine.
- 2020The Zostavax vaccine was discontinued in the United States.
- August 26The study was published in the journal Nature Medicine.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Healthline.
