The shingles vaccine, long recommended for adults over 50 to prevent a painful viral illness, may offer an unexpected additional benefit: slowing key markers of biological ageing. New evidence has sparked global interest after researchers found that vaccinated individuals showed slower ageing across multiple biological systems compared to those who remained unvaccinated.

The study, conducted by researchers affiliated with the University of South Carolina, analysed data from the US Health and Retirement Study involving more than 3,800 adults aged 70 and above. By examining seven distinct indicators of biological ageing, researchers assessed inflammation levels, immune system function, blood flow to vital organs, genetic ageing markers, and signs linked to neurodegeneration.

Results showed that individuals who received the shingles vaccine after the age of 60 experienced slower biological ageing on average. Importantly, the association remained strong even after accounting for socioeconomic factors, race and ethnicity, and existing health conditions, strengthening the credibility of the findings.

The research follows a 2023 study published in Nature that linked shingles vaccination to a reduced risk of dementia, further fuelling scientific interest in the vaccine’s broader impact on ageing and brain health. Experts note that biological ageing reflects how well the body functions rather than chronological age, meaning people of the same age can age very differently at a cellular and molecular level.

Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus—the virus responsible for chickenpox—and can lead to severe nerve pain known as postherpetic neuralgia, a condition that may persist for months or even years. Vaccination helps prevent reactivation of the virus, potentially reducing chronic immune stress that contributes to accelerated ageing.

However, researchers caution that the findings are observational and do not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship. The analysis focused on Zostavax, an older shingles vaccine, rather than Shingrix, the newer and more widely used formulation. Participants were also assessed at a single point in time, limiting long-term conclusions.

Despite these limitations, medical experts continue to strongly recommend shingles vaccination. In India, Shingrix was introduced in 2023, expanding access to protection against the disease. Doctors emphasise that beyond potential longevity benefits, the vaccine plays a critical role in preventing severe pain and long-term complications, particularly among older adults and immunocompromised individuals.