How the Shingles Vaccine may lower Dementia risk:
At our Travel Clinic we help people prepare for safe and healthy adventures – but vaccines like Shingrix offer benefits that extend well beyond travel. Recent research has found that the shingles vaccine could play a surprising role in reducing the risk of dementia, a condition that affects millions of aging adults worldwide.
An Oxford study of more than 200,000 people indicates that Shingrix vaccine offers patients up to an extra nine months without a diagnosis
The Shingrix vaccine is recommended for adults over the age of 50 to prevent shingles a A painful rash caused by the varicella-zosta virus. Shingles can lead to long term nerve pain and serious complications, especially for older adults or those with weakened immune systems.
The Shingrix vaccine was linked to a “significantly” lower risk of dementia six years after vaccination when compared with the old jab, Zostavax.
The Oxford researchers said the jab offered patients five to nine months longer without a dementia diagnosis than its older counterpart.
How the shingles vaccine may lower Dementia risk:
A study published in neurology found that people who received vaccine were up to 30% less likely to develop dementia later in life. Researchers believe that preventing the reactivation of the varicella-zostet virus reduces inflammation in the body and brain- both of which have been linked to cognitive decline.
Paul Harrison, professor of psychiatry at Oxford, said: “[Dementia] is perhaps the disease of old age that we fear most, there’s going to be getting on for a million people suffering from it in the UK within the next couple of years […] critically we can’t prevent it and indeed we can’t even delay its onset.”
Harrison explained: “There are two obvious types of explanation we think that might explain the data.
“The first is that there’s been the story that the herpes viruses might be one of the many factors that […] could be a risk factor for dementia and therefore a vaccine that is stopping you having reactivation of this virus might therefore be delaying [the mechanism] that’s leading you to be at risk of dementia in the coming years.”
He added that another explanation was that the adjuvants in the vaccine — chemicals designed to create a strong reaction — could be the reason behind the protective effect against dementia.
He explained that, as the study was observational, more research was needed to understand why the vaccine had this protective effect.
While more research is needed, this is promising news for anyone looking to stay sharp and healthy as they age.
Why seniors and travellers should consider Shingrix?
If you are over 50 preparing for international travel, getting vaccinated is A smart choice here is why:
1. Protects against shingles and postherpetic neuralgia (phn)
2. May reduce your long-term risk of dementia
3. Supports overall immune health before travel
4. Required or recommended for entry into some countries
At World Travel clinic, we make it easy to get your travel and routine vaccinations in one place – efficiently and professionally.
Who can and should get the Shingrix Vaccine?
Those who turned 65 before this date are eligible for the shingles vaccine when they become 70, while all people aged 70 to 79 are also eligible. Those over 50 who are immunocompromised are also offered the vaccine. For those inbetween, it is available privately.
We would recommend, adults aged 50 and older should get the Shingrix vaccine to ensure that they stay protected from the illness when getting older. Adults 19+ with weakened immune systems are recommended to get it as it’s common for the age group with low immunity to catch viruses. Lastly, anyone who previously had the Zostavax vaccine ( Shingrix is more effective).
The vaccine is administered in two doses, 2 to 6 months apart. Most patients experience mild side effects like soreness or fatigue but these side effects will slowly ease as the immunity begins.
Protect your brain and your Travel plans:
Whether you’re planning a dream vacation or simply focused on healthy aging, the Shingrix shingles vaccine is a proactive way to reduce your risk of shingles and dementia. It’s safe, highly effective and available now at Worldtravelclinic.co.uk – your trusted travel clinic for vaccines and preventive care.
Book your Shingrix Vaccination today and take the first step toward protecting both your health and your travel plans.
