- A new global study indicates that the shingles vaccine may reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke by almost a fifth.
- Researchers found that vaccination against herpes zoster was associated with an 18 per cent lower risk of stroke or heart attack in adults aged 18 and above, and 16 per cent for those aged 50 or older.
- The findings, derived from a systematic review and meta-analysis, are scheduled to be presented at the European Society of Cardiology's annual meeting.
- Study author Dr Charles Williams noted that while the results are encouraging, further research is needed as most evidence came from observational studies, which do not infer causality.
- The NHS is expanding eligibility for the shingles vaccine from 1 September, offering the jab to an additional 300,000 people aged 18 to 49 with severely weakened immune systems.
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