The **shingles vaccine does not increase stroke risk in people over 70**; rather, evidence from multiple authoritative studies indicates it is associated with a *reduced* risk of stroke and other cardiovascular events in this age group.
The recombinant shingles vaccine (RZV, marketed as Shingrix) is primarily designed to prevent shingles (herpes zoster) and its complications, such as postherpetic neuralgia. However, recent large-scale studies have shown that vaccination with Shingrix also correlates with a **lower incidence of stroke and myocardial infarction (heart attack)** in adults aged 50 and older, including those over 70.
One significant study published in *Clinical Infectious Diseases* analyzed over 100,000 vaccinated adults with a median age of 68 and compared them to more than 400,000 unvaccinated controls. After a median follow-up of 2.5 years, the vaccinated group showed a statistically significant reduction in hospitalizations for stroke and heart attacks, alongside a decreased incidence of herpes zoster ophthalmicus (a severe eye complication of shingles)[1]. This suggests that the vaccine’s benefits extend beyond preventing shingles itself.
Supporting this, a global study presented at the European Society of Cardiology meeting found that adults aged 18 and above who received the shingles vaccine had an **18% lower risk of stroke or heart attack**, with a 16% reduction specifically in those aged 50 or older[2]. This aligns with the growing recognition that vaccination against viral infections like herpes zoster may reduce systemic inflammation and vascular damage, which are key contributors to cardiovascular events.
The biological rationale behind this protective effect involves the fact that shingles results from reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which can cause inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis) and damage to the nervous system. Such inflammation can increase the risk of stroke, especially shortly after shingles onset. By preventing shingles, the vaccine reduces this inflammatory trigger and thus lowers stroke risk[3].
Concerns about the vaccine causing stroke are not supported by current evidence. On the contrary, the vaccine’s safety profile is strong, and its efficacy in older adults is high, with protection rates over 90% in those aged 70 and above[3][5]. While some reports have explored unintended effects of vaccines, the bulk of peer-reviewed data indicates that shingles vaccination is safe and may confer unexpected cardiovascular benefits[4].
In summary, for people over 70, the shingles vaccine is a highly effective preventive measure against shingles and its complications and is associated with a **reduced risk of stroke**, not an increased one. This is supported by large epidemiological studies and expert consensus in infectious disease and cardiology research.
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**Sources:**
[1] Pharmacy Times, “Shingles Vaccine Linked to Reduced Risks of Stroke, Myocardial Infarction, and Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus,” Clinical Infectious Diseases study, 2023.
[2] The Independent, “Shingles vaccine may lower the risk of heart attack and stroke,” European Society of Cardiology presentation, 2023.
[3] Home Dialysis Central, “Dialysis and Shingles: Get Vaccinated!”—discussing stroke risk from shingles inflammation and vaccine efficacy.
[4] Science-Based Medicine, “Unintended Side Effects HPV and Shingles Vaccines—Reason for Concer
