A new international study has found that adults over 50 who receive the shingles vaccine can dramatically reduce their risk of major cardiovascular events—including stroke, heart failure, and heart disease—by as much as 23% for up to eight years following vaccination. The findings, published in the European Heart Journal in early May and quickly covered by global outlets such as the European Society of Cardiology and Science Daily, mark a significant turning point for public health, suggesting that the benefits of the vaccine extend far beyond protection against the painful rash caused by herpes zoster.
Thailand’s ageing population is particularly interested in preventive measures against both infectious diseases and chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death nationwide. This research carries special weight, as it points to a single intervention—the shingles vaccine—that could simultaneously safeguard older adults on two fronts. According to the World Health Organization, stroke and heart disease claim hundreds of thousands of Thai lives each year, with risk climbing steeply after age 50. Traditionally, campaigns for cardiovascular health have focused on lifestyle changes and medication, but vaccination is now emerging as a potent, overlooked strategy.
The study followed over 1 million older adults over a span of up to eight years, recording a consistent 23% reduction in the incidence of stroke, heart failure, and coronary heart disease among those who had received the shingles vaccine. These findings were reinforced across regional and international datasets, including a major nationwide study from South Korea and multiple cohort studies in Europe and North America (Science Daily; escardio.org; cidrap.umn.edu). Researchers hypothesize that the prevention of shingles, and the resulting avoidance of viral-induced inflammation, are central to the vaccine’s protective effects: outbreaks of shingles—long known to increase inflammation in blood vessels—have been linked to a higher risk of heart attack and stroke.
Public health policymakers and cardiology experts are hailing the findings as “game-changing.” According to the lead epidemiologist behind the South Korean cohort study, “our research provides compelling evidence that a widely available vaccine can help reduce cardiovascular risk in adults over 50, especially in populations with high rates of hypertension, diabetes, and other stroke risk factors.” The immunization not only guards against severe nerve pain and skin complications, but also appears to offer a secondary shield against the most common causes of death in this age group.
In Thailand, vaccines against herpes zoster have been accessible since 2017 with the arrival of the recombinant Shingrix vaccine, which is approved for individuals aged 50 and older and can be safely administered to those with suppressed immune systems (Wikipedia). The attenuated Zostavax vaccine, though still used in some countries, is less commonly available and not recommended for people with compromised immunity. The Thai Ministry of Public Health currently recommends the shingles vaccine for older adults, yet rates of uptake remain low due to limited public awareness and questions about out-of-pocket costs.
Thai geriatricians from top university hospitals advise that “individuals over 50, particularly those with other chronic diseases or a family history of stroke, should consult their primary care physician about getting vaccinated.” The dual benefit—both preventing the distressing pain of shingles and lowering lifetime stroke risk—makes this an exceptional value in preventive healthcare, according to the chairperson of Thailand’s Association of Preventive Medicine.
Cardiovascular specialists consulted stress that the new findings should not replace established methods for reducing heart disease—such as blood pressure management, exercise, and tobacco avoidance—but note that vaccines add a new, powerful tool. “We must act quickly to incorporate these results into our national vaccination guidelines,” says a senior public health policymaker. “Alongside annual influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations, the shingles vaccine could form the next pillar of healthy aging in Thailand.”
Historically, Thailand has excelled in childhood immunization programs but has lagged behind on adult boosters, particularly for diseases perceived as “nonfatal” or rare. Yet herpes zoster, or shingles, is almost universal among those who live into advanced age; the National Health Security Office estimates that at least one in three Thais will experience an episode of shingles in their lifetime, typically after the age of 50. The Thai Red Cross infectious disease team notes that severe cases can lead to long-term pain, blindness, or even neurological complications—a heavy burden on families and the healthcare system.
Recent data visualizations from the Ministry of Public Health tracking vaccine-preventable diseases show that while childhood vaccination rates exceed 95%, adult vaccine uptake (including shingles) hovers below 20%. Experts point out the need for expanded insurance coverage and better education: “This study should prompt both policymakers and healthcare providers to inform and encourage patients, especially in urban centers and aging provinces like Lampang, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Chiang Mai,” says the president of a major geriatric society.
Globally, Thailand can look to the success of countries like the United Kingdom and Australia, where national programs have incorporated shingles vaccination into routine care for people over 70 and have reported reductions in shingles-related hospitalizations and complications. With cardiovascular disease rates on the rise in Southeast Asia—in part due to changing diets, urbanization, and increasing life expectancy—integrated preventive programs could help ease pressure on Thai hospitals and improve quality of life for millions of seniors (CBS News; UPI).
Looking ahead, researchers call for greater investment in education, public communication, and healthcare provider training to ensure that older Thais are aware of the full suite of preventative tools available to them. Government and private insurers may also need to broaden coverage for adult vaccines, removing cost barriers for lower-income seniors.
In practical terms, Thai readers aged 50 and above should take these new findings seriously and make an appointment with their doctor to discuss the shingles vaccine. Those with high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of stroke are especially encouraged to act. Adult children caring for elderly parents can help by setting up vaccine appointments and explaining the broader benefits now confirmed by international science.
Immunization is not a replacement for healthy living—eating a balanced Thai diet, maintaining regular exercise, and avoiding tobacco remain crucial—but vaccines now offer an unexpected layer of defense against the country’s biggest killers. As the President of Thailand’s Family Medicine Association concludes: “Protecting oneself against suffering and against life-threatening complications—through one shot—has never been more straightforward.”
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