Shingles vaccine linked to lower mortality in kidney disease patients

A research study published in the international journal ‘Hypertension Research’ suggests that the recombinant shingles vaccine may be associated with reduced health risks in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Led by researchers from Lohas Hospital and National Taiwan University Hospital, the retrospective cohort study analyzed over 26,000 adults diagnosed with CKD between 2017 and 2024. The findings indicated that vaccinated individuals experienced a 37% lower risk of kidney-related events, a 26% lower risk of cardiovascular events, and a 49% reduction in all-cause mortality compared to unvaccinated individuals. Those who completed both doses showed a greater reduction in risk.

Medical experts emphasize that while these results show a significant correlation, the study cannot directly prove that the vaccine causes the reduction in mortality. The primary purpose of the vaccine remains the prevention of shingles and its complications. Health officials note that the vaccine should not be viewed as a treatment for kidney or cardiovascular diseases, and patients must continue their prescribed medical treatments for those conditions.