From the Guidelines
No, the shingles vaccination (Shingrix or herpes zoster vaccine) is not effective in improving memory. The vaccine is specifically designed to prevent shingles (herpes zoster), a painful rash caused by reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus that causes chickenpox. The vaccine works by boosting your immune system's ability to protect you against the virus, but it has no known effects on cognitive function or memory. Shingrix is typically administered as a two-dose series, with the second dose given 2-6 months after the first, to adults 50 years and older. While some vaccines are being researched for potential cognitive benefits, particularly in older adults, the shingles vaccine has not demonstrated any memory-enhancing properties in clinical studies 1. If you're concerned about memory issues, it would be more appropriate to discuss this with your healthcare provider, who can recommend evidence-based approaches for cognitive health, such as physical exercise, mental stimulation, proper nutrition, and management of cardiovascular risk factors. Key points to consider:
- The shingles vaccine is designed to prevent shingles, not improve memory
- The vaccine has no known effects on cognitive function or memory
- Shingrix is administered as a two-dose series to adults 50 years and older
- Evidence-based approaches for cognitive health should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
From the Research
Shingles Vaccination and Memory
- There is no direct evidence to suggest that the shingles vaccination (Shingrix, herpes zoster vaccine) is effective in improving memory 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The studies primarily focus on the vaccine's effectiveness in preventing herpes zoster (shingles) and its associated complications, such as postherpetic neuralgia 2, 3, 4, 5.
- The vaccines, including LZV (live attenuated zoster vaccine) and RZV (recombinant zoster vaccine), have been shown to be effective in preventing shingles, with vaccine effectiveness ranging from 56.9% to 97.2% 2, 3, 4, 5.
- Factors such as healthcare access and insurance status have been found to impact shingles vaccination rates among older adults, but there is no mention of memory improvement as a benefit of the vaccine 6.
Vaccine Effectiveness and Safety
- The vaccines have been found to be generally safe, with common adverse events including injection site pain, redness, and swelling, as well as systemic adverse events like myalgia, fatigue, and headache 2, 3, 4, 5.
- The vaccines have been recommended for use in immunocompetent adults 50 years of age and older, with the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommending the routine use of RZV as the preferred vaccine for preventing herpes zoster 4.