Scientists have uncovered compelling evidence that a common vaccine administered to older adults might possess remarkable anti-ageing properties. According to new research, the shingles vaccine could significantly reduce inflammation and help keep individuals biologically younger.
Groundbreaking Discovery in Ageing Research
A comprehensive study involving nearly 4,000 elderly participants has revealed that those who received the shingles vaccination exhibited fewer signs of biological ageing compared to their unvaccinated counterparts. The research, conducted by a team from the University of Southern California, suggests this routinely administered vaccine might offer benefits extending far beyond its primary purpose of preventing shingles.
Measuring the Ageing Process
Researchers employed sophisticated measurements to assess seven distinct aspects of biological ageing, including inflammation levels, defence mechanisms against infection, adaptive immunity, blood flow characteristics, neurodegeneration markers, epigenetic ageing, and transcriptomic ageing. The vaccinated group demonstrated significantly lower inflammation measurements, slower epigenetic and transcriptomic ageing rates, and overall improved biological ageing scores.
Jung Ki Kim, the study's lead author, explained the significance of these findings: "By helping to reduce this background inflammation—possibly by preventing reactivation of the virus that causes shingles—the vaccine may play a crucial role in supporting healthier ageing."
The Inflammation Connection
The research highlights inflammation as a well-documented contributor to numerous age-related conditions, including heart disease, frailty, and cognitive decline—a phenomenon scientists refer to as "inflammaging." The study suggests the shingles vaccine might interrupt this damaging inflammatory process.
"While the exact biological mechanisms remain to be fully understood," Ms Kim noted, "the potential for vaccination to reduce inflammation makes it a promising addition to broader strategies aimed at promoting resilience and slowing age-related decline."
Broader Implications for Healthy Ageing
These findings align with emerging research indicating associations between adult vaccinations—including shingles and influenza vaccines—and reduced risks of dementia and other neurodegenerative disorders. The study adds substantial weight to the growing body of evidence suggesting vaccines could play a multifaceted role in promoting healthy ageing beyond simple infection prevention.
Eileen Crimmins, the study's co-author, emphasised the importance of these discoveries: "These findings indicate that shingles vaccination influences key domains linked to the ageing process. While further research is needed to replicate and extend these findings, especially using longitudinal and experimental designs, our study contributes to a growing body of work suggesting vaccines may play a significant role in healthy ageing strategies."
Accessibility and Availability
The shingles vaccination remains readily accessible through the National Health Service for all adults turning 65, as well as those aged between 70 and 79 years old. This widespread availability could potentially make anti-ageing benefits accessible to millions of older adults across the country.
As research continues to explore the connections between vaccination, inflammation reduction, and biological ageing, this common vaccine might emerge as an unexpected tool in the quest for healthier, more resilient ageing populations.
