Shingles Vaccine: A New Ally in Slowing Biological Ageing?

A recent study highlights that the shingles vaccine, known for preventing herpes infection, may also slow biological ageing in older adults. Beyond infection prevention, it appears to aid in reducing inflammation and neurodegenerative disorders, making it a potential tool for promoting healthier ageing.

A groundbreaking study reveals that the shingles vaccine could be key in decelerating biological ageing among older adults, in addition to its role in herpes infection prevention.

Shingles, scientifically termed herpes zoster, manifests as a painful rash from a reactivated chickenpox virus, predominantly affecting individuals over 50.

Research indicates that beyond addressing acute infection, the vaccine holds promise in combating neurodegenerative disorders like dementia, contributing to healthier ageing.

Jung Ki Kim, research associate at the University of Southern California and study's leading author, observed that vaccination potentially enhances healthy ageing by modulating biological systems beyond infection control.

The study evaluated over 3,800 seniors, finding vaccinated individuals exhibited reduced inflammation and biological ageing, alongside slower genetic ageing.

Authors noted vaccination's link to lower inflammation, slower epigenetic, and transcriptomic ageing, hinting at benefits for systemic health.

Insights were provided into immune health and its interaction with ageing, spotlighting chronic inflammation's role in age-linked conditions such as heart disease and cognitive decline, known as 'inflammaging'.

Kim suggests vaccination might support healthier ageing by reducing inflammation and virus reactivation, though exact mechanisms remain unclear, marking it as a potential tool in age-related decline strategies.

(With inputs from agencies.)