Shingles vaccination and dementia risk

A recently published study has revealed that the shingles vaccine, Zostavax, may significantly lower the risk of developing dementia

Shingles vaccination and dementia risk

Researchers followed over 280,000 older adults in Wales and discovered that those who received the vaccine were 20% less likely to be diagnosed with dementia over a seven-year period. This  This provided compelling evidence of the vaccine's protective effect, especially among women.

The findings suggest that the shingles vaccination could reduce inflammation or trigger broader immune changes that help protect against dementia.This highlights the potential for vaccines to offer cost-effective public health benefits beyond their primary purpose. Although Zostravax is not used in Australia, previous studies have shown similar protective effects from Shingrix.

These results open new avenues for research into the broader impacts of vaccines on chronic diseases.

To read the full papers please click the links below:

Reduced dementia incidence after varicella zoster vaccination in Wales 2013–2020

A natural experiment on the effect of herpes zoster vaccination on dementia


The Australian Government recommends the herpes zoster (shingles) vaccine to everyone aged over 50, with those aged over 65 eligible for a free vaccination. For more information please see the below Australian Government links. If you have any questions we recommend you talk to your GP regarding your individual situation.

Shingles (herpes zoster) vaccine

Australian Immunisation Handbook