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Months ago when this research was showing up (not on HN) there was a disclaimer that the benefit differed for Shingrix vs Zostavax (discontinued in the United S

Months ago when this research was showing up (not on HN) there was a disclaimer that the benefit differed for Shingrix vs Zostavax (discontinued in the United States around 2017), and that Zostavax was shown to cause these benefits (Wales study for example). Shingrix had a potential side effect of Guillain-Barre https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guillain–Barré_syndrome#Vaccine_onset https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guillain–Barré_syndrome#Vaccin... It's interesting that the linked article references, in different terms, the distinction, obliquely. Zostavax is attentuated; Shingrix recombinant. "Our findings suggest that live-attenuated HZ vaccination prevents or delays mild cognitive impairment and dementia and slows the disease course among those already living with dementia."

botro 11mo ago
Is it known or suspected whether Shingrix offers the same benefits as Zostavax for dementia?
- jjtheblunt 11mo ago
  I haven't yet seen that result asserted, but maybe others have.
- kieranmaine 11mo ago
  From article https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2025-06-25-how-do-vaccines-reduce-risk-dementia https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2025-06-25-how-do-vaccines-reduce-... > Recent studies have shown convincingly that vaccines against shingles (Herpes zoster) reduce the risk of dementia. The shingles vaccine now in widespread use (Shingrix) has more of an effect than the previous one (Zostavax). A key difference between these vaccines is that Shingrix contains an ‘adjuvant’, an ingredient designed to enhance the vaccine’s effect. It is therefore possible that the adjuvant contributes to Shingrix’ greater effect than Zostavax on reducing dementia. Link to study https://www.nature.com/articles/s41541-025-01172-3 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41541-025-01172-3 I don't know if this study changes the conclusion that Shingrix is more affective than Zostavax.
  - jjtheblunt 11mo ago
    interesting...thanks for sharing that!

botro 11mo ago

Is it known or suspected whether Shingrix offers the same benefits as Zostavax for dementia?

jjtheblunt 11mo ago
I haven't yet seen that result asserted, but maybe others have.
kieranmaine 11mo ago
From article https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2025-06-25-how-do-vaccines-reduce-risk-dementia https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2025-06-25-how-do-vaccines-reduce-... > Recent studies have shown convincingly that vaccines against shingles (Herpes zoster) reduce the risk of dementia. The shingles vaccine now in widespread use (Shingrix) has more of an effect than the previous one (Zostavax). A key difference between these vaccines is that Shingrix contains an ‘adjuvant’, an ingredient designed to enhance the vaccine’s effect. It is therefore possible that the adjuvant contributes to Shingrix’ greater effect than Zostavax on reducing dementia. Link to study https://www.nature.com/articles/s41541-025-01172-3 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41541-025-01172-3 I don't know if this study changes the conclusion that Shingrix is more affective than Zostavax.
- jjtheblunt 11mo ago
  interesting...thanks for sharing that!