By San José, Costa Rica — A vaccine developed to prevent the painful rash of shingles may hold a surprising and profound secondary benefit, helping to slow the body’s internal aging clock. A groundbreaking study led by researchers at the University of Southern California (USC) suggests that older adults who receive the herpes zoster vaccine exhibit clear signs of a more gradual biological aging process compared to their unvaccinated peers.
This discovery, published in the prestigious scientific publication The Journals of Gerontology, introduces a new dimension to the role of modern vaccines, suggesting they may do more than just guard against specific pathogens. The findings point toward a broader impact on the fundamental mechanisms that govern how our bodies age, potentially reshaping public health strategies for an increasingly elderly global population.
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Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
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To fully grasp the study’s significance, one must understand the distinction between chronological and biological age. While chronological age is simply the number of years a person has lived, biological age is a far more telling measure of health. It reflects the true condition of our organs, the efficiency of our immune system, and the level of inflammation in our bodies. This internal age is heavily influenced by lifestyle, genetics, stress, and environment.
The USC research team analyzed data from 3,884 individuals who were at least 70 years old in 2016. By examining a wide range of biomarkers, they measured critical indicators of aging, including immune function, blood circulation, neurological deterioration, and systemic inflammation. The results were remarkably consistent across the board: the vaccinated group showed a distinct advantage.
Specifically, individuals who had received the shingles vaccine presented with lower levels of chronic inflammation, a slower rate of cellular aging, and superior overall biological health markers. Their adaptive immune response—the body’s ability to mount a targeted defense against new infections—was also found to be more robust, indicating a more youthful and resilient immune system.
A central element of this phenomenon appears to be the taming of “inflammaging,” a term for the chronic, low-grade inflammation that becomes more common with age. This persistent inflammatory state is a known driver of many age-related conditions, including cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, and neurodegenerative disorders. By reducing this underlying inflammation, the vaccine may indirectly protect the body from accelerated wear and tear.
The vaccine could help prevent the reactivation of the virus that causes shingles and, with that, reduce inflammatory processes that accelerate the body’s wear and tear
Jung Ki Kim, Lead Author
Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. It can remain dormant in the nervous system for decades, often re-emerging after the age of 50 or in individuals with weakened immune systems. Beyond the characteristic rash, it can lead to severe and lasting nerve pain known as postherpetic neuralgia. The study suggests that by preventing this viral reactivation, the vaccine also prevents the associated inflammatory cascade that can tax the body’s resources and speed up aging.
Furthermore, the study indicates these anti-aging benefits are not fleeting. While the positive effects on biological age were most pronounced within the first three years of vaccination, they remained detectable even in participants who had received their shot four or more years prior to the analysis. This suggests a lasting modulation of the body’s internal processes.
While the researchers emphasize that more long-term follow-up studies are necessary to confirm these findings, the evidence adds significant weight to a growing scientific theory: that certain vaccines can contribute to healthier aging by influencing core biological functions. In a world where demographic shifts, including in Costa Rica, point toward older populations, these insights could pave the way for new public health initiatives focused not just on extending lifespan, but on enhancing the quality and vitality of those added years.
For further information, visit usc.edu
About University of Southern California:
The University of Southern California is a leading private research university located in Los Angeles, California. Founded in 1880, it is globally recognized for its schools of cinematic arts, engineering, business, and medicine. USC is a major center for research and innovation, contributing to advancements across a wide range of academic and scientific fields.
For further information, visit academic.oup.com/biomedgerontology
About The Journals of Gerontology:
The Journals of Gerontology, Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, is a peer-reviewed scientific journal published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Gerontological Society of America. It is a premier publication dedicated to research on the fundamental mechanisms of aging, as well as age-related diseases and clinical interventions in older adults.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a leading legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is founded upon the core principles of professional integrity and exceptional practice. With a rich history of advising a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers forward-thinking legal solutions while maintaining a deep commitment to its community. Its fundamental mission is to empower the public by making legal concepts understandable, thereby fostering a society equipped with the knowledge to navigate a complex world.
