The findings, presented yesterday at IDWeek 2025 in Atlanta by researchers from Case Western University, come from a matched cohort study that analyzed electronic health record data from more than 174,000 patients across 107 US health systems. The follow-up period for patients post-vaccination ranged from 3 months to 7 years. It is important to note that the study has not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Key Findings on Risk Reduction
The study's results indicate that receiving the shingles vaccine was associated with substantial reductions in several major health risks when compared to receiving the pneumococcal vaccine:
- Vascular Dementia: A potential 50% reduction in risk.
- Blood Clots: A 27% lower risk.
- Heart Attack or Stroke: A 25% lower risk.
- Death (all causes): A 21% lower risk.
The study authors concluded that these results suggest the shingles vaccine has the potential to prevent not only the infection itself but also its serious associated complications.
About Shingles and Vaccination
Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus—the same virus that causes chickenpox—when it reactivates. The infection typically results in a painful, itchy rash that follows the path of a nerve, often accompanied by symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, and sensitivity to light.
While shingles is not usually life-threatening, it can lead to severe complications, particularly in older adults, including:
- Postherpetic neuralgia (long-term nerve pain).
- Neurologic conditions.
- Skin infections.
- Vision loss.
The Shingrix vaccine, approved in 2017, is currently recommended for all adults aged 50 years and older, regardless of whether they have had shingles before or previously received the older, now-discontinued Zostavax vaccine.
Disclaimer: This content is published only for health awareness and informational purposes. It's not a substitute for your professional medical advice. You must consult a doctor/healthcare professional regarding your specific health concerns.
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