Shingles Vaccine Linked to Lower Heart Attack, Stroke Risk in Heart Patients

Study finds shingles vaccine may provide significant cardiovascular benefits for those with existing heart disease.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 7:00pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A new study presented at the American College of Cardiology's annual meeting found that heart disease patients who received the shingles vaccine had nearly half the rate of heart attacks, strokes, and other serious heart emergencies compared to those who were not vaccinated. Researchers say the protective effects of the shingles vaccine for heart patients are on par with the benefits of quitting smoking.

Why it matters

The findings suggest the shingles vaccine could be an important preventative measure for the millions of Americans living with heart disease, which remains a leading cause of death. Encouraging wider uptake of the shingles vaccine, which is already recommended for adults 50 and older, could have significant public health implications.

The details

The study analyzed data on nearly 247,000 U.S. adults with heart disease caused by clogged arteries. Half had received the shingles vaccine, while the other half had not. Vaccinated heart disease patients were found to be 46% less likely to suffer a heart attack, stroke or other cardiac emergency within a year of getting the vaccine. They also had a 66% overall lower risk of death from any cause. Specifically, those who got the shingles vaccine had a 32% lower risk of heart attack and a 25% lower risk of stroke or heart failure.

  • The study findings will be presented at the American College of Cardiology's annual meeting on March 30, 2026.

The players

Dr. Robert Nguyen

A resident physician at the University of California-Riverside and the lead researcher of the study.

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

The agency that recommends the shingles vaccine for all adults 50 and older, and for younger adults with weakened immune systems.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This vaccine has been found over and over again to have cardioprotective effects for reducing heart attack, stroke and death.”

— Dr. Robert Nguyen, Lead Researcher (American College of Cardiology)

“Vaccines are one of the most important medicines we have to prevent disease. Sometimes patients are unsure about whether they should get a vaccine or not, particularly in an age of disinformation. These results provide another reason for them to elect to get the vaccine.”

— Dr. Robert Nguyen, Lead Researcher (American College of Cardiology)

What’s next

Researchers say more study is needed to verify the long-term benefits of the shingles vaccine for heart patients, as previous research has suggested the protective effects may last up to eight years.

The takeaway

This study highlights the potential for the shingles vaccine to provide significant cardiovascular benefits for the millions of Americans living with heart disease, a leading cause of death. Encouraging wider uptake of this vaccine, which is already recommended for older adults, could have important public health implications.