People with heart disease who received a shingles vaccine experienced nearly half the rate of serious cardiac events within a year compared to those who did not get vaccinated. This finding comes from a study presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session (ACC.26) held in New Orleans.
The study, which analyzed data from over 246,822 U.S. adults with atherosclerotic heart disease, suggests that the shingles vaccine may offer protection beyond its intended purpose. The research adds to growing evidence that vaccination against shingles could also mitigate risks associated with heart problems and even dementia.
Understanding the Study’s Findings
Dr. Robert Nguyen, a resident physician at the University of California, Riverside, and the study’s lead author, emphasized the vaccine’s potential benefits. “This vaccine has been found over and over again to have cardioprotective effects for reducing heart attack, stroke, and death,” Nguyen stated. “Looking at the highest risk population, those with existing cardiovascular disease, these protective effects might be even greater than among the general public.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the shingles vaccine for all adults aged 50 years and older, as well as for younger adults with weakened immune systems. The vaccine protects against herpes zoster, an illness that can cause a painful rash and long-term nerve pain.
The Link Between Shingles and Cardiac Events
Previous studies indicate that a shingles infection can lead to blood clots forming around the brain and heart, increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and venous thromboembolism. By preventing the infection, the shingles vaccine is believed to help prevent these dangerous clots from forming.
For this study, researchers utilized the TriNetX database, which includes health records of millions of Americans, to evaluate rates of serious cardiac events in individuals aged 50 or older with atherosclerotic disease between 2018 and 2025. The study compared 123,411 vaccinated individuals with an equal number of unvaccinated individuals, ensuring similar demographics and health conditions across both groups.
“Vaccinated individuals were 46% less likely to suffer any major adverse cardiac event and 66% less likely to die from any cause. They were also 32% less likely to suffer a heart attack, 25% less likely to suffer a stroke, and 25% less likely to develop heart failure.”
Implications and Expert Opinions
These levels of risk reduction are substantial, comparable to the benefits of quitting smoking, according to Nguyen. The findings bolster recommendations for all adults over age 50 to get vaccinated. Nguyen noted, “Vaccines are one of the most important medicines we have to prevent disease. Sometimes patients are unsure about whether they should get a vaccine or not, particularly in an age of disinformation. These results provide another reason for them to elect to get the vaccine.”
While the study focused on outcomes during the first year post-vaccination, researchers acknowledged that lifetime impacts might differ. A previous study in 2025 found that shingles vaccination was associated with a 23% lower risk of cardiovascular events in a healthy general population, with cardioprotective effects potentially lasting up to eight years.
Addressing Potential Limitations
One limitation of the study is that vaccinated individuals may generally engage in healthier behaviors than those who are not vaccinated. Although the researchers controlled for some health behaviors and socioeconomic factors, such as housing and economic circumstances, social environment, employment status, education, and literacy, the study may overestimate the benefits solely attributable to preventing shingles infections. Nonetheless, the study’s large size and robust statistical methodology lend confidence to the conclusion that the shingles vaccine significantly reduces cardiovascular risk.
Nguyen will present the study, titled “Herpes Zoster Vaccination and Risk of Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease,” on Monday, March 30, at 12:30 p.m. CT / 17:30 UTC in Posters, Hall E.
The American College of Cardiology (ACC) event, ACC.26, will run from March 28-30, 2026, in New Orleans, bringing together cardiologists and cardiovascular specialists globally to share the latest discoveries in treatment and prevention. Follow @ACCinTouch, @ACCMediaCenter, and #ACC26 for the latest updates from the meeting.
The ACC remains a global leader in transforming cardiovascular care and improving heart health. Since 1949, it has been the preeminent source of professional medical education for the entire cardiovascular care team, credentialing professionals in over 140 countries and leading in health policy, standards, and guidelines formation. Through its renowned family of JACC Journals, NCDR registries, ACC Accreditation Services, and global network of Member Sections, the College is committed to optimizing patient care and outcomes worldwide. Learn more at ACC.org.
