Shingles vaccine may slow biological aging and reduce inflammation
Science Daily
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The shingles vaccine may offer surprising health benefits beyond preventing the painful rash, according to a groundbreaking study. Researchers discovered that older adults who received the vaccine showed signs of slower biological aging, including lower levels of chronic inflammation and fewer changes in gene activity linked to aging. This suggests the vaccine might help calm "inflammaging," the low-grade inflammation tied to serious health issues like heart disease, frailty, and cognitive decline.
The study, which tracked over 3,800 adults aged 70 and older, found that those who received the shingles vaccine had significantly lower markers of inflammation compared to unvaccinated individuals. Chronic inflammation is a key driver of age-related diseases, and reducing it could have wide-reaching benefits for overall health. The findings highlight how vaccines may influence more than just infectious disease; they might play a role in promoting healthy aging by targeting underlying inflammatory processes.
This research adds to growing evidence that vaccination strategies could be a powerful tool in combating age-related decline. By targeting inflammation—a common factor in many chronic conditions—the shingles vaccine might offer protection against multiple age-related illnesses. However, more studies are needed to fully understand how vaccines can influence biological aging and to explore potential applications for other age-related health issues.
The implications of this research are significant for public health, particularly as populations age globally. Slowing down inflammation and the aging process could lead to improved quality of life
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Originally published on Science Daily on 2/26/2026