Recent research from the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology has indicated that the shingles vaccine may be associated with slower biological aging in older adults, in addition to its primary purpose of preventing the painful rash caused by shingles. The study analyzed data from over 3,800 participants aged 70 and older from the U.S. Health and Retirement Study, revealing that vaccinated individuals exhibited slower biological aging compared to their unvaccinated counterparts, even after accounting for various health and demographic factors.
Shingles, known medically as herpes zoster, occurs when the varicella zoster virus, which causes chickenpox, reactivates later in life. Although it can affect younger people, the incidence rises significantly after age 50, particularly in those with compromised immune systems. Vaccination is generally recommended for older adults to reduce both the risk of shingles and the potential for postherpetic neuralgia, a form of long-lasting nerve pain.
The study’s authors, including Research Associate Professor Jung Ki Kim, noted growing evidence that vaccines may offer health benefits beyond infection prevention. Previous research has linked adult vaccinations to lower risks of conditions like dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases.
To evaluate biological aging, researchers assessed seven markers, including inflammation and immune response. Results showed that vaccinated individuals had lower inflammation levels and better overall biological aging scores. This suggests that vaccination may contribute to reducing chronic inflammation, which is associated with various age-related health issues.
The findings indicated that the benefits of vaccination could persist for years, with participants vaccinated four or more years prior still demonstrating slower biological aging. While further research is necessary to confirm these results and explore underlying mechanisms, the study contributes to a growing understanding of vaccines' potential role in promoting healthy aging.