UK Sees Surge in Shingles Vaccine Demand Amid Dementia Prevention Hopes
Translated & summarized from Vesty by baba
Thousands in the UK are seeking shingles vaccinations due to research suggesting a potential protective effect against dementia. While demand surges in the UK, Israel is seeing a decline in shingles vaccinations. Studies indicate the Zostavax vaccine may reduce dementia risk by up to 20%, and newer research on Shingrix shows similar promise. The Shingrix vaccine is recommended in Israel for those over 50 and at-risk individuals, with varying costs depending on insurance coverage.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- UK residents are increasingly seeking shingles vaccines, driven by potential dementia prevention benefits.
- Research suggests the Zostavax shingles vaccine may reduce dementia risk by approximately 20%.
- Demand for shingles vaccines in the UK has surged, with a projected 200% increase by late 2026.
- In contrast, Israel is experiencing a decline in shingles vaccinations across its major health providers.
- The Shingrix vaccine, used in Israel, is recommended for individuals over 50 and those with weakened immunity.
- The cost of the shingles vaccine in the UK is around 460 pounds, while in Israel it varies by insurance.
Thousands in the UK are rushing to get vaccinated against shingles, with many willing to pay hundreds of pounds out-of-pocket. This surge in demand is fueled by emerging scientific research suggesting the vaccine might also offer protection against dementia. The vaccine, which prevents the painful shingles rash and its potential long-term neurological pain, is now seen by some as a dual-protection measure against both infection and age-related cognitive decline.
In the UK, the demand for the shingles vaccine has grown significantly. In 2025, 30% more people received the vaccine compared to the previous year, with projections indicating a 200% increase by the end of 2026. The cost of the vaccine is approximately 460 pounds (about 1860 shekels), and it is only provided free by the National Health Service to certain individuals over 65 and those with weakened immune systems.
Recent studies have sparked interest in the vaccine's potential to combat dementia. A study published in Nature in April 2025, analyzing data from 280,000 elderly Welsh residents, indicated that the Zostavax vaccine reduced the risk of a new dementia diagnosis by about 20% over seven years, with a more pronounced effect observed in women. Further analysis in Cell in December 2025 suggested the vaccine also reduced the incidence of mild cognitive impairment and lowered mortality rates among those already diagnosed with dementia.
While these studies focused on the older Zostavax vaccine, research on the newer Shingrix vaccine, used in Israel, is also underway. A 2024 Oxford University study in Nature Medicine found that Shingrix recipients in the US experienced a 17% longer dementia-free period compared to Zostavax recipients. Scientists theorize that the vaccine might reduce inflammation caused by virus reactivation or bolster the immune system, though these mechanisms require further confirmation.
In contrast to the UK's vaccine enthusiasm, Israel is experiencing a less optimistic trend. Data from Israeli health maintenance organizations shows a decline in vaccinations. For instance, Clalit reported 46,235 vaccinations in the past year, a 30% decrease from the previous year. Maccabi administered around 30,000, and Leumit even fewer.
Dr. Dana Florentin, a family doctor at Clalit, described the Shingrix vaccine as highly effective against shingles, a condition known for its painful rash and debilitating postherpetic neuralgia. In Israel, the Shingrix vaccine is recommended for individuals over 50 and those over 18 with weakened immune systems or a high risk of shingles. It is administered in two doses and requires a prescription. While Shingrix is included in the national health basket for those over 65 and specific immunocompromised individuals, others can obtain it at a reduced cost through supplementary insurance or at full price.
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