Shingles jab may reduce risk of heart attack, pioneering research reveals

The global study also found a 16% reduction in risk of cardiovascular events in adults 50 or older. Photograph: Andrew Matthews/PA

Getting the shingles vaccine could lower your risk of a heart attack or stroke by as much as 20%, according to the first study of its kind.

Shingles is a common condition affecting millions worldwide that causes a painful rash and can lead to serious problems such as deafness, long-lasting pain and blindness. It is more likely to cause serious problems in older age groups.