Shingles vaccine linked to lower biologic age and may support healthy aging

A study of more than 3,800 adults aged 70 and older found an association between prior shingles vaccination and lower measures of biologic age, including markers of inflammation; researchers say the link persisted for participants vaccinated four or more years earlier.

A study published in The Journals of Gerontology reports an association between shingles vaccination and lower biologic age in older adults. Researchers analyzed data from a 2016 cohort of more than 3,800 participants aged 70 and older. The authors wrote that vaccinated participants showed lower markers related to systemic inflammation and molecular aging. The study’s authors note that the biological mechanisms are not yet clear. Key findings: - The analysis included over 3,800 adults aged 70 and older from 2016. - Participants who had received the shingles vaccine showed lower measures of biologic age compared with unvaccinated participants. - The association was reported to persist for participants vaccinated four or more years earlier. - The authors highlighted lower markers of systemic inflammation and molecular indicators linked to aging. - The shingles vaccine referenced is a two-dose vaccine commonly given after age 50; the U.S. CDC reports high effectiveness at preventing shingles. Summary: The study reports an association between prior shingles vaccination and lower biologic age markers in an older cohort, and authors suggest vaccination could influence processes tied to aging. Further research using longitudinal and experimental designs is recommended to clarify mechanisms and confirm these findings.