There are multiple reasons to get the two-shot shingles vaccine
The two-dose shingles vaccine, Shingrix, slashes the risk of developing the painful skin/nerve disorder by 91% in folks age 50 and older -- and offers even more benefits. In high-risk older people, it lowers the risk of being diagnosed with dementia over four years by 24% compared with those not vaccinated. Even the original shingles vaccine, Zostavax, reduced body-wide inflammation significantly and slowed down genetic changes that promote premature aging.
But now the newer two-dose vaccine has been found to have another significant benefit: It reduces your risk of heart disease. A study in Nature Medicine found that, over a seven-year stretch, Shingrix cuts the risk for heart failure by 12% and ischemic heart disease (reduced blood flow and oxygen to the heart muscle) by 10%. Plus, guys who received Shingrix had a 12% lower risk of stroke and a 7% reduction in A-fib (irregular heart rhythm).
So, if you haven't had the newer shingles vaccine and are a healthy adult age 50 and older or are 19 and older with a weakened immune system, it's time to schedule the double injection.
Vaccines are one of the true marvels of the 20th and 21st century -- and they are getting better all the time. Whoever thought there would be a vaccine to prevent pancreatic cancer in high-risk people -- but there are many in clinical trials! So, consult your doctor about the vaccines that will benefit you, your partner, parents and children. And for tips on maintaining a healthy immune system, join my blog at michaelfroizenmd.substack.com.
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at drmikerealage@gmail.com.
(c)2026 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2026 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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