Two Shots to Make a Big Impact: How the Shingles Vaccine Reduces Cardiovascular Risk

When aiming to improve population health and reduce the incidence of high-cost, high-impact conditions like coronary artery disease, heart failure, and stroke, we typically focus on hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and obesity. But what if there were a single intervention—requiring just about an hour of total time, no ongoing lifestyle changes, and no new habits—that could reduce the risk of these events by up to 23% for as long as eight years? The shingles vaccine against varicella-zoster (the chickenpox virus) may be that intervention. This virus can contribute to blood vessel damage and clot formation, increasing cardiovascular risk. Vaccination not only prevents shingles but also mitigates this inflammatory cascade. The CDC recommends that adults aged 50 and older receive two doses of the shingles vaccine, spaced 2–6 months apart. A recent South Korean study of over 1.2 million adults found a 23% lower risk of cardiovascular disease among vaccinated individuals, with benefits most pronounced in men, those under 60, and even people with unhealthy lifestyles (European Society of Cardiology, 2025). For organizations seeking strong ROI from preventive health initiatives, promoting shingles vaccination could yield long-term savings by reducing cardiovascular events in one of the most expensive disease categories.

European Society of Cardiology. (2025, May 6). Shingles vaccine lowers the risk of heart disease for up to eight years. https://www.escardio.org/The-ESC/Press-Office/Press-releases/shingles-vaccine-lowers-the-risk-of-heart-disease-for-up-to-eight-years