Shingles vaccine used in Guernsey being linked to reducing dementia risk

Tuesday 30 July 2024

A shingles vaccine whose use is being extended in Guernsey could also significantly delay the onset of dementia, new research has suggested.

At the start of September last year the Bailiwick began offering Shingrix for everyone eligible for a shingles vaccine, in line with recommendations being followed in the UK.

Researchers from the University of Oxford have compared the health records of people in the US who had the older Zostavax jab with Shingrix and found that on average those who had the new jab had an extra 164 days free from a diagnosis of dementia over six years.

Study author Prof Paul Harrison said: "Even if it is a delay of 164 days, for example, on the public health level, that would not be a trivial finding.
"It is a big enough effect that if [the link is proved] it feels meaningful to us."

Shingles is a painful condition that is more common in older people.

It is caused by a reactivation of the Herpes zoster virus - the virus that causes chicken pox.

Scientists say more work is needed to prove any link between the vaccine and slowing the onset of dementia.

The island's vaccination programme was subject to questions in the States in May after a decision to phase out the use of a pain relief plaster that was used to treat the effects of shingles in adults.

The programme is well established in Guernsey.

On 1 September 2023 the Bailiwick started to offer Shingrix for everyone eligible for a shingles vaccine, in line with the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation recommendations and the UK national programme.

At this time the programme was also extended to offer to all those who are severely immunocompromised aged 50 and over.

The vaccine is also available to people who turn 65 and those aged between 70 and 79.

"In line with the JCVI guidance, the programme for those who are immunocompetent [ those for whom the immune system is working properly and that the body is capable of mounting an appropriate immune response when necessary] is being extended to include those from 60 years of age. This is occurring in a phased manner, as per the national programme."

The vaccine will be available for those turning 60 from 2028.

"The shingles vaccine, Shingrix, is administered in two doses. The shingles vaccine is provided free of charge by the States of Guernsey and the vaccine recipient pays an administration charge to their primary care provider."