Older adults in Wales who had the jab were 20% less likely to be diagnosed with dementia that those not vaccinated

Summary

A study published in Nature of over 280,000 older adults in Wales found those who received the Zostavax shingles vaccine were 20% less likely to develop dementia over seven years, with the strongest effect in women.

Researchers used a natural experiment created by a 2013 vaccine rollout to compare dementia rates between eligible and ineligible age groups.

Though the exact mechanism is unclear, experts believe the vaccine may reduce brain inflammation or boost immune protection.

The findings mark the strongest evidence yet linking shingles vaccination to reduced dementia risk.