Shingles vaccine linked to lower cardiovascular risk in large study

A US study of more than 70,000 adults aged 60+ found that the latest shingles vaccine was associated with a 9% reduction in overall cardiovascular burden over seven years compared with an older version, including lower risks of heart disease, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation, with men also showing reduced stroke risk. Researchers stress the findings are observational and do not prove causation, and the mechanisms are not yet known, though immune changes from vaccination may be cardioprotective; more trials are needed.