# Shingles trends and Shingrix vaccine research > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/shingles-trends-and-shingrix-vaccine-research > Updated: 2026-09-08T13:45:29.000Z. Sources: 35. Developments: 6. Recent data indicates a significant rise in shingles cases among younger adults, particularly millennial women in the United States and the United Kingdom. Research shows that cases among adults aged 30–49 in the U.S. more than doubled between 1998 and 2017, with activity in the U.K. currently exceeding the five-year average. Following the recommendation of the Shingrix vaccine to combat these rising rates, new research suggests the vaccine may offer additional health benefits. An analysis from the University of Oxford indicates that Shingrix is associated with a 9% lower overall cardiovascular disease burden, including a 10% reduction in ischemic heart disease risk and a 12% reduction in heart failure risk. Further findings published in Nature Medicine and the Annals of Internal Medicine noted a 12% lower stroke risk in men. Newer analysis of health records for adults aged 60 and older over a seven-year period suggests the vaccine is also associated with a 7% lower burden of atrial fibrillation. A study published in Nature Medicine, analyzing data from over 70,000 U.S. adults aged 60 and older, tracked the transition from the older Zostavax vaccine to Shingrix starting in October 2017. This research corroborated that Shingrix recipients experienced a 10% reduction in coronary heart disease risk and a 12% reduction in heart failure risk for both men and women. Additionally, a large-scale study from Brown University involving over 500,000 individuals found that Shingrix was associated with a 24% lower risk of dementia among adults aged 66 and older. This potential link was further supported by a natural experiment in Wales, where vaccinated individuals had approximately a 20% lower chance of developing dementia. ## Claims - The recombinant Shingrix vaccine is associated with a 9% reduction in cardiovascular disease burden over seven years compared to the Zostavax vaccine. (disputed by 8 sources) - Men receiving the Shingrix vaccine showed a 12% lower risk of stroke compared to those receiving Zostavax. (disputed by 5 sources) - The recombinant shingles vaccine is linked to a 12 percent reduction in stroke risk. (disputed) - Shingrix recipients had a 12 percent lower risk of cardiovascular diagnosis over 3.5 years. (disputed) - Shingrix recipients showed a 10% reduction in coronary heart disease and a 12% reduction in heart failure compared to Zostavax recipients. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Researchers from the University of Oxford analyzed data from over 70,000 adults aged 60 and older in the US. (corroborated by 5 sources) - The Shingrix vaccine may significantly reduce the risk of serious age-related illnesses such as heart attacks and dementia. (corroborated by 5 sources) - The Shingrix vaccine has an efficacy of over 90 percent in preventing shingles outbreaks. (corroborated by 5 sources) - A Brown University study found that the Shingrix vaccine is associated with a 24% reduction in dementia risk among older adults. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The recombinant shingles vaccine is associated with a lower risk of certain cardiovascular diseases. (corroborated by 4 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-08: Shingrix vaccine may reduce dementia and heart disease risks A University of Oxford study published in Nature Medicine suggests the Shingrix shingles vaccine may reduce risks of dementia and heart disease by up to 12 percent. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/shingrix-vaccine-may-reduce-dementia-and-heart-disease-risks ### 2026-08-31: Shingles vaccine linked to lower risks of heart disease and dementia Studies suggest the Shingrix shingles vaccine may reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including stroke and heart failure, and may also lower the risk of dementia in older adults. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/shingles-vaccine-linked-to-reduced-cardiovascular-and-dementia-risks ### 2026-08-29: Shingrix vaccine linked to lower cardiovascular disease risk A study published in Nature Medicine suggests the Shingrix shingles vaccine is linked to a lower risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure in adults aged 60 and older. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/shingrix-vaccine-linked-to-lower-cardiovascular-disease-risk-1 ### 2026-08-28: Shingles vaccine linked to lower dementia risk in Welsh study A shingles vaccine used in a Welsh national program may reduce dementia risk by 20%, according to researchers studying a natural age-based eligibility experiment. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/shingles-vaccine-linked-to-lower-dementia-risk-in-welsh-study ### 2026-08-26: Shingrix vaccine linked to lower dementia and cardiovascular risks Studies link the recombinant shingles vaccine, Shingrix, to a 9% reduction in cardiovascular disease burden and a 24% lower risk of dementia in older adults compared to previous vaccine versions. 16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/shingrix-vaccine-linked-to-lower-cardiovascular-disease-risk ### 2026-07-27: Shingles Cases Surge in Young Adults, Shingrix Vaccine Recommended Shingles cases have risen sharply among adults 30‑49, especially millennial women in the US and UK, prompting health officials to stress the highly effective Shingrix vaccine for protection. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/shingles-cases-surge-in-young-adults-shingrix-vaccine-recommended --- Cite as: Shingles trends and Shingrix vaccine research. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/shingles-trends-and-shingrix-vaccine-research