Published July 2024

The Shingrix vaccine was approved for use in 2017, emerging as a crucial tool in the fight against shingles, offering significant protection against the painful condition caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus as well as significantly reducing the often painful effects if shingles did occur.

Shingrix is a non-live, recombinant subunit vaccine that provides strong and long-lasting protection against shingles. It is licenced for use from the age of 18, recommended for adults aged 50 and older and is administered in two doses, spaced two to six months apart. The vaccine has shown over 90% effectiveness in preventing shingles and postherpetic neuralgia, a chronic pain condition that can follow shingles. Interestingly, a recent study has shown that Shingrix may have the additional benefit of delaying the onset of dementia.

Recent research conducted by Oxford University suggests a strong connection between the vaccine and patients remaining dementia free for up to 9 months longer than those not having had the vaccine. The varicella-zoster virus, which causes shingles, has been implicated in the development of various neurological conditions, including dementia. This connection is thought to arise because the virus can cause inflammation in the brain, leading to damage that may contribute to cognitive decline.

The study provides evidence that the Shingrix vaccine may reduce the risk of dementia, repeatedly showing that those who received the Shingrix vaccine had a significantly lower incidence of dementia compared to those who did not receive the vaccine.

It must be said that this is very early research but does provide some hope against the continued fight against dementia and the devastation this can bring. Much more work is needed to further prove the link between the shingles virus, vaccine and links with dementia going forward.

Nevertheless, as a practice we highly recommend the vaccine to help protect you against the often awful effects of shingles itself. From 1st September 2023 all those aged 65 and older are eligible for the shingles vaccines through the NHS. The vaccine is also available privately from your Concierge Medical GP.

Click here for article from the National Institute for Health and Care Research