Vaccines may do more than prevent infection.

The way some vaccinations train your immune system may also reduce the risk of: cancer, stroke or heart attackand perhaps prevent dementia.

New evidence shows that the shingles vaccine is associated with delayed aging and that its effects may persist for several years after vaccination.

Related: Shingles vaccine protects against dementia, study finds

Survey results suggest The authors, Joon Ki Kim and Eileen Crimmins, gerontologists at the University of Southern California, said vaccines could have “pervasive” and long-lasting effects on “ageing-related processes.”

Researchers found that among more than 3,800 U.S. participants aged 70 and older, those who received the shingles vaccine after age 60 had higher scores on a composite measure of biological aging than those who did not receive the vaccine.

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Researchers say vaccinated participants also showed biological markers associated with reduced inflammation and delayed “molecular and global biological aging.” report.

This association remained even after accounting for demographic and health differences between the two groups.

Although this study does not provide conclusive evidence that the shingles vaccine leads to healthier aging outcomes, this finding adds to several other points. observational study Relevance to vaccines widely spread Health benefits later in life, especially for the heart and brain.

“By helping to reduce this background inflammation, perhaps by preventing reactivation of inflammation,” virus Because it causes shingles, the vaccine could play a role in supporting healthy aging. ” explain Mr. Kim.

“While the exact biological mechanisms are not yet understood, vaccination may reduce inflammation, making it a promising addition to broader strategies aimed at promoting resilience and slowing age-related decline.”

shinglesIt is caused by reactivation of shingles, also known as shingles. varicella zoster virus That causes chickenpox. most people are infected childhood, then contracted the virus is in a dormant state to their nervous system.

For the average healthy person, shingles does not pose a threat until later in life. Therefore, a two-dose vaccine is generally recommended for people over 60 years of age. about 30% A percentage of unvaccinated people will develop shingles during their lifetime.

The first version of the shingles vaccine was authorized to use only Founded in the United States in 2006 and now new versionit may have even better outcomes for a person’s continued health. Only future long-term studies can say for sure.

The efficacy of the shingles vaccine is not yet known, but its potential is very high.

This study gerontology magazine.