In a recent study published in Nature Medicine , researchers investigated the effects of recombinant shingles vaccines on dementia. Study: The recombinant shingles vaccine is associated with lower risk of dementia . Image Credit: Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock.
com Background Varicella-zoster virus (VZV), or human herpesvirus 3, causes varicella ( chickenpox ) and shingles. Given the potential for adverse repercussions from shingles, health authorities in several nations advise immunization for older individuals. Recent research suggests that the live herpes zoster (shingles) vaccination may protect against dementia.
Most studies comparing vaccinated and unvaccinated groups are susceptible to selection and healthy vaccine biases. Existing data is sparse and solely applies to live herpes zoster vaccine withdrawn in the United States (US) and other countries; therefore, the efficacy of the recombinant shingles vaccine remains uncertain. About the study In the present observational study, researchers investigated whether the recombinant shingles vaccine could lower dementia risk.
They also compared the risk of dementia among shingles, influenza, and tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis (Tdap) vaccine recipients. The researchers used electronic medical records and a US-based natural experimental opportunity generated by the swift uptake of recombinant vaccines and the concomitant disuse of live vaccines from October 2017 onward. They compared individuals who received shingl.