SHINGLES vaccination could slow ageing, according to a study.
The jab is now available free on the NHS to most 65 to 80-year-olds to prevent late-life skin infections caused by the chickenpox virus.
It has also been shown to reduce dementia risk and now scientists think it might keep recipients younger for longer.
A study by the University of Southern California checked inflammation, DNA damage and heart and brain function in 3,800 OAPs.
It found that people who had received a shingles vaccine scored lower.
Lower inflammation reduced their risk of serious heart, brain or kidney damage in old age.
Read more on the shingles jab
And less DNA damage indicated a slower rate of biological ageing than people who were not vaccinated.
Study author Professor Jung Ki Kim said: “The vaccine may play a role in supporting healthier ageing.
“While the exact biological mechanisms remain to be understood, the potential for reducing inflammation makes it a promising addition to strategies aimed at promoting resilience and slowing age-related decline.”
Doctors advice for living longer is typically standard health advice like eating healthily, exercising, sleeping well, not smoking and controlling blood pressure and cholesterol.
Studies have found a chemical in dark chocolate could help to slow ageing, as well as Vitamin D or Omega 3 supplements.
Co-author of the new study, Prof Eileen Crimmins, added: “Our study adds to a growing body of work suggesting that vaccines may play a role in healthy ageing beyond solely preventing illness.”
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR A SHINGLES VACCINE?
SHINGLES vaccination is mainly offered depending on age because the infection is more common in older people and can be more severe for them.
These are the eligibility criteria in England and Wales:
- All 70 to 79-year-olds
- 65 to 69-year-olds who turned 65 on or after 1st September 2023
- People aged 50 or over with a severely weakened immune system, for example due to blood cancer or organ transplant
The vaccine is administered in two doses spaced between six and 12 months apart.
Patients should contact their GP to find out more or book a jab.
