When most people think about the shingles vaccine, they usually associate it with preventing the painful rash caused by the varicella-zoster virus. However, a groundbreaking new study suggests there's even more reason to roll up your sleeve. According to recent findings published in the European Heart Journal, the shingles vaccine may significantly lower your risk of heart disease—for up to eight years.
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That’s right. Getting vaccinated against shingles could do more than prevent blisters and nerve pain—it might actually protect your heart.
The Heart-Shielding Benefits of the Shingles Vaccine
In this major study, researchers followed over one million people aged 50 and older, starting from 2012. They found that those who received the shingles shot had a 23% lower risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, and coronary artery disease.
The benefit was especially strong in men, smokers, drinkers, and people who were less physically active. The protective effect also appeared to be more potent in those under 60, possibly due to a stronger immune response to the vaccine.
So how exactly does a vaccine designed for shingles reduce heart disease risk?
According to lead researcher Dong Keon Yon, a professor at Kyung Hee University College of Medicine in Seoul, a shingles infection can damage blood vessels, cause inflammation, and promote blood clot formation—all of which are known risk factors for cardiovascular issues. By preventing the infection, the vaccine may also reduce these dangerous side effects.
What Is the Shingles Vaccine?
The shingles vaccine is designed to protect against the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Once you've had chickenpox, the virus stays dormant in your body and can later resurface as shingles, typically in older adults or those with weakened immune systems.
There are currently two types of shingles vaccines:
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Zostavax: A live zoster vaccine, which was once widely used but is no longer recommended in the U.S.
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Shingrix: A newer, non-live recombinant vaccine introduced in 2017. It is over 90% effective and is now the preferred option in the United States.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the two-dose Shingrix vaccine for adults aged 50 and older, regardless of whether they’ve had chickenpox or shingles in the past.
Shingles Vaccine Side Effects: What to Expect
Like any vaccine, shingles vaccine side effects can occur. The most common side effects of Shingrix include:
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Redness and swelling at the injection site
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Muscle pain
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Fatigue
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Headache
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Fever
So, how long do shingles vaccine side effects last? Typically, these symptoms resolve within 2 to 3 days. Most people find that the benefits far outweigh the temporary discomfort. It’s a small price to pay for long-term protection—not just against shingles but potentially against heart disease, too.
How Often Do You Need to Get the Shingles Vaccine?
Many people wonder, how often do you need to get the shingles vaccine? The answer is simple: only once, in two doses. The doses are given 2 to 6 months apart, and once completed, you’re protected for at least a decade. The new study even suggests cardiovascular benefits may last for up to eight years.
Who Can Get the Shingles Vaccine—and Who Can’t?
While Shingrix is safe for most adults over 50, it’s especially recommended for:
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Individuals with weakened immune systems
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People who’ve had shingles before
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Those with chronic health conditions like diabetes or heart disease
However, if you're currently sick or have a severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine, you should talk to your doctor before getting it.
What Age Is the Shingles Vaccine Free?
The cost of the shingles vaccine often depends on your insurance coverage. For many people in the U.S., particularly Medicare Part D enrollees and those with private insurance, Shingrix is covered at no cost.
If you’re wondering what age is shingles vaccine free, the magic number is typically 50 and older, depending on your insurance provider. Check with your healthcare plan or pharmacy to confirm eligibility and coverage.
Shingles Vaccine Cost Without Insurance
If you don’t have insurance, the shingles vaccine cost can be a concern. On average, each dose of Shingrix costs between $150 to $200. Since two doses are required, you're looking at a total of $300 to $400.
However, pharmacies like Kroger may offer competitive pricing. The Kroger shingles vaccine program often includes walk-in appointments and sometimes even special promotions or discounts for seniors.
Always check your local Kroger pharmacy or other providers like CVS, Walgreens, or Walmart for the latest pricing and availability.
New Shingles Vaccine: Shingrix vs. Zostavax
The new shingles vaccine, Shingrix, has become the gold standard in the U.S. thanks to its high effectiveness and safety profile. Unlike the old Zostavax vaccine, Shingrix is not a live vaccine, making it safer for people with compromised immune systems.
Shingrix provides long-lasting immunity and now, based on this new research, may also reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular problems.
Are Shingles Contagious?
A common concern is whether shingles is contagious. The short answer: not exactly.
You can’t catch shingles from someone else. However, someone with an active shingles rash can spread the varicella-zoster virus to someone who has never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine. In that case, the newly infected person would develop chickenpox, not shingles.
To reduce the risk of transmission:
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Cover the shingles rash
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Avoid touching or scratching it
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Wash hands frequently
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Avoid close contact with newborns, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals
Bonus Benefit: The Shingles Vaccine May Delay Dementia
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time the shingles vaccine has been associated with benefits beyond its primary purpose.
In a 2024 study published in Nature Medicine, researchers found that people who got the latest shingles shot delayed the onset of dementia by an average of 164 days compared to those who didn’t. That’s nearly six months of added cognitive health.
So while we await further studies to confirm the full spectrum of benefits, it’s clear that this vaccine is doing much more than we originally thought.
Final Thoughts: A Shot Worth Considering
If you’re over 50 and haven’t yet received the shingles vaccine, now might be the perfect time. Not only can it protect you from a painful and debilitating rash, but it may also reduce your risk of heart disease, delay the onset of dementia, and provide long-lasting protection for years.
The side effects of the shingles vaccine are typically mild and short-lived, the vaccine is widely covered by insurance, and with pharmacies like Kroger offering convenient access, there’s really no excuse not to take this step toward better health.
So the next time you’re at your local pharmacy or doctor’s office, ask: "Do you offer the shingles vaccine?" You might just be protecting more than your skin—you could be protecting your heart.
