Eur Heart J

Live zoster vaccine may reduce CV events

May 15, 2025

Live zoster vaccination* is associated with reduced burden of CV diseases. The researchers plan to study the impact of the recombinant zoster vaccine to see if it has similar benefits for reducing CV disease.

Study details: This large-scale, population-based cohort study conducted in South Korea included 2,207,784 individuals aged ≥50 years, with data collected from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2021. The study investigated the link between live zoster vaccination and the risk of various CV events. Data were merged from national insurance, health exam results, and vaccination records.

Results: Live zoster vaccination was associated with a significantly lower risk of overall CV events (hazard ratio, 0.77). Reductions were also observed in major adverse CV events, heart failure, cerebrovascular disorders, and ischemic heart disease, with additional benefits seen in thrombotic disorders and dysrhythmia. The protective effect lasted up to 8 years, peaking 2 to 3 years post-vaccination.

*Live zoster vaccine (Zostavax) is no longer used in the U.S. CDC currently recommends use of the recombinant zoster vaccine (Shingrix) in immunocompetent adults ≥50 years of age.

Source:

Lee S, et al. (2025, May 5). Eur Heart J. Live zoster vaccination and cardiovascular outcomes: a nationwide, South Korean study. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40324473/