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Shingles And RSV Vaccines Linked To Lower Dementia Risk In Older Adults: Study
UK: Researchers at the University of Oxford have found in a new study that older U.S. Adults who received AS01-adjuvanted vaccines—either for shingles or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)—were less likely to be diagnosed with dementia within 18 months. Since both vaccines showed comparable results, the study points to the AS01 adjuvant as a potential contributor to the protective effect against dementia.
Published in npj Vaccines, the large-scale study assessed over 430,000 individuals using electronic health record (EHR) data from the U.S.-based TriNetX network. It compared those who received AS01-based shingles (Shingrix) or RSV (Arexvy) vaccines with individuals who received flu vaccines but not the AS01-adjuvanted shots.
The findings were as follows:
AS01 is composed of monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL) and QS-21, substances that stimulate specific immune pathways. Prior research in animal models suggests that MPL may mitigate Alzheimer's-related changes in the brain, and both MPL and QS-21 activate immune cells and boost the production of interferon-gamma, a molecule linked to slower cognitive decline.
Although the exact biological mechanism remains uncertain, the researchers noted that the protective effect seems unlikely to be solely due to infection prevention since the observed benefits emerged within months of vaccination, too soon for infection avoidance alone to account for the dementia risk reduction.
The findings are based on retrospective observational data, and while the study adjusted for various confounding factors, the authors acknowledged limitations such as potential misclassification of vaccine brands and lack of socioeconomic data. Nevertheless, the consistent patterns across different analyses support the need for further exploration.
"Our data suggest that vaccines containing the AS01 adjuvant might offer benefits beyond infection prevention," the authors stated. "Further clinical trials and mechanistic research are essential to confirm these effects and understand how long the protection might last."
They conclude, "If confirmed, these findings could shape future strategies to delay or prevent dementia—one of the world's leading causes of disability in older adults—using existing vaccination platforms."
Reference:
Taquet, M., Todd, J. A., & Harrison, P. J. (2025). Lower risk of dementia with AS01-adjuvanted vaccination against shingles and respiratory syncytial virus infections. Npj Vaccines, 10(1), 1-6. Https://doi.Org/10.1038/s41541-025-01172-3
Moderna's New Flu Shot Shows Strong Results In Older Adults
HealthDay News — Moderna's new flu vaccine, based on the same mRNA technology used in its COVID-19 shot, showed promising results in a major trial, the company announced Monday.
The vaccine, called mRNA-1010, was tested in a Phase 3 study in adults aged 50 and older. It worked better than a standard-dose flu vaccine, providing 26.6% more protection against the flu overall, the company said.
In adults 65 and older, the vaccine showed a 27.4% improvement.
"The severity of this past flu season underscores the need for more effective vaccines," Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel told The Wall Street Journal.
"An mRNA-based flu vaccine has the potential advantage to more precisely match circulating strains, support rapid response in a future influenza pandemic, and pave the way for COVID-19 combination vaccines," he added.
Moderna said the trial showed strong results in people across different age groups, health conditions and even among people who had been vaccinated for the flu in the past.
The company plans to present the full data at an upcoming medical conference and publish the results in a peer-reviewed journal.
Moderna also said it will work with health regulators on the next steps for possible approval of the vaccine, The Wall Street Journal said.
The news comes amid continuing interest in mRNA vaccine technology, even as public views shift. Moderna gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic but now faces more political scrutiny as the Trump administration considers new rules for vaccines.
The new results helped boost Moderna's stock by more than 4% in early trading Monday, though the company's shares are still down about 32% for the year.
More information
Moderna has more on the science behind mRNA.
SOURCE: The Wall Street Journal, June 30, 2025
What Vaccines Should I Get As An Adult?
Open this photo in gallery:Access to adult vaccines in Canada remains uneven as programs vary between provinces, leading to patchwork vaccination rates based on factors such as patients' location, financial means and education.FatCamera/Getty Images
Ask a Doctor is a series of physician-authored columns offering insights and advice on common health topics. It is not a substitute for seeking medical care.
Continuing measles outbreaks across Canada have placed the importance of childhood vaccines back in the spotlight, illustrating what can happen when immunization rates fall.
Robust childhood vaccination programs have saved lives – and saved the health care system significant resources as well.
Adult vaccines have similar impacts. Last year, the Adult Vaccine Alliance, a pro-vaccine advocacy group, estimated that six common adult vaccines – COVID-19, seasonal influenza, shingles, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), pneumococcal disease and human papillomavirus (HPV) – save the Canadian economy and health care system $2.5-billion in unnecessary illness and missed work days.
But access to adult vaccines remains uneven. While some provinces have COVID-19 immunization programs, which automatically recall high-risk patients when due for their boosters, other adult vaccines lack the same supports. This has led to patchwork vaccination rates based on factors such as patients' location, financial means and education.
Here is a primer on four common adult vaccines (other than the COVID-19 and flu shot).
ShinglesShingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chicken pox. When you have chicken pox as a child, the virus stays in your body even after you get better and can be re-activated later in the form of shingles.
Shingles affects about one in three Canadians in their lifetime, especially those over age 50, often causing symptoms such as rash, blisters and pain. In some cases, it can cause serious complications such as debilitating long-term nerve pain.
The two-dose Shingrix vaccine protects against shingles and is approved by Health Canada for people over age 50. It costs about $300.
Ontario, Quebec, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador and Yukon cover the cost for eligible residents but people in other parts of the country must pay out of pocket. In many provinces, your pharmacist can both prescribe and administer the vaccine to you.
Human papillomavirus (HPV)HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in Canada. It usually infects the genital area, mouth and throat, and can increase the risk of cancer in the affected areas.
HPV vaccination is the cornerstone of the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer's lofty goal to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040.
There are two types of vaccines to protect against HPV infection authorized in Canada and recommended for individuals aged nine to 26.
While publicly-funded and school-based HPV vaccination programs are available across Canada, some adults may have never received the vaccine. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization says people age 27 and older who were not vaccinated may benefit from vaccination and should consult with their health care provider.
Eligibility for provincially-covered HPV vaccines outside of school-based programs varies across Canada. Individuals who don't qualify for provincial coverage can pay up to roughly $600 for the recommended doses.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)RSV is a seasonal respiratory virus that often feels like a common cold but can cause serious illness and complications for some people, especially infants and older adults.
It is a leading cause of pediatric and older adult hospitalizations and emergency room visits.
There are three RSV vaccines currently approved in Canada. Health Canada recommends vaccination for adults age 75 and older, and adults age 60 and over who live in chronic care facilities or are considered high-risk. It also advises other adults who may be interested in the vaccine – including people over age 50 and pregnant people between 32-36 weeks gestation – to talk to their doctor to decide what is best for them.
Maximal efficacy occurs if it is received before the start of respiratory virus season in the fall.
Cost and provincial coverage varies across the country so speak with your primary care provider to learn more.
Pneumococcal diseasePneumococcal infections can range from ear and sinus infections to more serious cases of pneumonia, also known as invasive pneumococcal disease.
Older adults are among the populations at higher risk of more severe health complications. Pneumonia vaccines have been around for a long time and many adults may have received the older versions, but the latest versions are more effective against multiple strains. Prevnar 20 is recommended by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization for adults aged 65 and over. It has set a goal that 80 per cent of adults age 65 and older be vaccinated.
Eligibility for provincial coverage varies across Canada.
Possible side-effects for all four of these vaccines include redness, soreness, mild swelling, low-grade fever, fatigue, headache and muscle aches. In most cases, these symptoms are mild and short-lived.
Dr. Tahmeena Ali is a family physician, medical director and co-owner of Catalyst Kinetics Medical in Surrey, British Columbia. She is also a hospitalist at Peace Arch Hospital in White Rock, B.C., a child and youth mental health consultant and clinical lecturer in the Department of Family Medicine at the University of British Columbia.
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