Shingles Vaccine May Slow Down Biological Aging in Older Adults, Study Suggests

A USC-led study of more than 3,800 Americans aged 70+ found that those who received the shingles vaccine after age 60 scored better on measures of biological aging and showed markers of lower inflammation and slower molecular aging versus unvaccinated peers. The associations persisted after adjusting for demographic and health differences, but the study does not prove causation. The findings contribute to a growing body of observational work suggesting vaccines can have broader health benefits later in life, potentially by reducing virus reactivation and chronic inflammation.