The shingles vaccine, especially Shingrix, not only prevents viral reactivation but may also reduce dementia risk by 20% and cardiovascular issues by 23%, as studies show. It protects the brain and blood vessels by reducing inflammation. Shingles, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, mainly affects older adults and the immunocompromised.
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New studies suggest shingles vaccination may reduce the risk of dementia along with preventing the viral infection.
It is a painful viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox.
After a person recovers from chickenpox, usually in childhood, the virus hides in their nerve cells and can reactivate later in life, causing shingles. This reactivation often happens when the immune system weakens, normally in people over 50 or those with conditions like HIV.
The rashes cause intense pain, and in severe cases, complications like vision loss, facial paralysis, or brain inflammation can occur. Even after the rashes heal, some people experience lasting nerve pain called postherpetic neuralgia.
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Shingles is infectious to those who haven’t had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine. Direct contact with the fluid from shingles blisters or breathing in virus particles can spread the varicella-zoster virus, potentially causing chickenpox in unvaccinated individuals. This makes shingles a public health concern. |
The shingles vaccine prevents the virus from reactivating, reducing the risk of shingles and its complications.
Shingrix is more effective, preventing over 90% of shingles cases, compared to Zostavax 65%–70% effectiveness. In India, both vaccines are available privately, costing between ₹6,000 and ₹17,000 per dose, with Shingrix requiring two doses and Zostavax one.
A study published in Nature, provides the strongest evidence that the shingles vaccine reduces dementia risk. Conducted in Wales, this study analyzed health records of over 280,000 adults.
Researchers found that vaccinated individuals had a 20% lower risk of dementia. This translates to fewer dementia cases among those who got the vaccine compared to those who didn’t.
The findings are significant because dementia, a neurodegenerative condition causing memory loss and cognitive decline, affects over 55 million people globally, including 900,000 in the UK and millions in India. With no cure and limited treatments, preventing dementia is a global priority.
Shingles Vaccine Protect Against Dementia
Preventing Viral Reactivation => The varicella-zoster virus may contribute to dementia by causing inflammation in the nervous system when it reactivates as shingles. This inflammation could damage brain cells, increasing dementia risk. By preventing reactivation, the vaccine reduces this inflammation, and protects the brain.
Boosting the Immune System => The vaccine may trigger immune changes that protect against dementia. For example, it could reduce chronic inflammation or enhance immune responses that clear harmful proteins in the brain.
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A recent South Korean study found that the shingles vaccine lowers the risk of cardiovascular conditions by 23%. The vaccine may reduce vascular inflammation caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which can trigger blood vessel damage. |
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), which of the following vaccines is currently used to prevent shingles? A) Varicella vaccine B) Zoster vaccine C) MMR vaccine D) None of the above Answer: D Explanation: The Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) does not currently include any vaccine specifically for shingles prevention. Vaccines like the varicella vaccine (for chickenpox), zoster vaccine (e.g., Shingrix), and MMR vaccine are not part of the UIP schedule. Shingrix, a zoster vaccine, is available in India but only through private healthcare providers and is not included in the government’s immunization program. |
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