A new study has revealed that the shingles vaccine can slow biological ageing in older adults.
According to Science Alert, new promising results have shown that the benefits of the shingles vaccine among older adults last for several years after the shot.
As per the authors of the study, gerontologists Jung Ki Kim and Eileen Crimmins from the University of Southern California, the study highlighted that the vaccine has “broad” and lasting effects on “ageing-related processes”.
For this study, more than 3,800 participants aged 70 years or older in the US received the shingles vaccine. After receiving the vaccine, they looked younger, 60, biological age.
The participants also showed lower inflammation and slower “molecular and overall biological ageing”.
Kim explained, “By helping to reduce this background inflammation, possibly by preventing reactivation of the virus that causes shingles, the vaccine may play a role in supporting healthier ageing.”
“While the exact biological mechanisms remain to be understood, the potential for vaccination to reduce inflammation makes it a promising addition to broader strategies aimed at promoting resilience and slowing age-related decline,” he added.
For the unversed, shingles, which is also known as herpes zoster, happens when the chickenpox virus wakes up again in the body.
Shingles is not a threat for younger people, as it usually affects people over 60, which is why the vaccine is usually recommended for older adults.
However, it is worth noting that around 30% of the unvaccinated adults develop shingles in their lifetime.
