The common vaccine that could slow down ageing
Scientists have discovered that one dose of shingles vaccine not only protects against viral infection but also slows biological aging in older people.
Researchers from the University of Southern California say that the vaccine administered regularly to the elderly can be used beyond preventing shingles.
This follows a study of more than 3,800 people that found those who received the vaccine showed fewer signs of biological aging and inflammation compared to those who did not receive the vaccine.
Jung Ki Kim, lead author of the study, said: “The vaccine may play a role in promoting healthier aging by helping to reduce background inflammation, possibly preventing the reactivation of the virus that causes shingles.
“While the biological mechanisms remain to be fully understood, vaccination’s potential to reduce inflammation makes it a promising addition to broader strategies aimed at improving resilience and slowing age-related decline.”
The findings support recent research that found an association between adult vaccinations such as shingles or flu and reduced risks of dementia and other neurodegenerative disorders, according to Ms. Kim.
“This study adds to emerging evidence that beyond preventing infection, vaccines may play a role in promoting healthy aging by modulating biological systems,” he said.
The shingles vaccine is available on the NHS for all adults over 65 and those aged 70 to 79.
Using data from nearly 4,000 older people from the US health and retirement survey, scientists examined how the shingles vaccine affected various signs of aging for the latest study.
They measured seven aspects of biological aging, including inflammation, defense against infection, adaptive immunity, blood flow, neurodegeneration, epigenetic aging, and transcriptomic aging.
Those vaccinated had significantly lower inflammation measures, slower epigenetic and transcriptomic aging, and a better biological aging score.
Ms. Kim noted in the study that inflammation is a well-known contributor to conditions such as heart disease, frailty and cognitive decline; This is known as “inflammation,” he said.
He said: “The vaccine may play a role in supporting healthier ageing by helping to reduce background inflammation, possibly preventing reactivation of the virus that causes shingles.
“While the biological mechanisms remain to be fully understood, vaccination’s potential to reduce inflammation makes it a promising addition to broader strategies aimed at improving resilience and slowing age-related decline.”
Study co-author Eileen Crimmins said: “These findings suggest that the shingles vaccine affects key areas linked to the aging process.
“While more research, particularly using longitudinal and experimental designs, is needed to replicate and extend these findings, our study adds to a growing body of work suggesting that vaccines may play a role in healthy aging strategies beyond just preventing acute diseases.”
