Shingles Vaccine Sales Surge Amid Claims of Dementia Prevention Benefits

Sales of the £460 shingles vaccine, Shingrix, have more than doubled in the past year, driven by growing interest in its potential to prevent dementia. Pharmacy chain Boots reported a 30 percent increase in bookings in the year leading up to September 2025, with overall demand doubling within the last 12 months.

Glaxo-SmithKline, the manufacturer of Shingrix, noted that 2025 was a record year for the vaccine, generating £3.6 billion in sales.

While individuals aged 65 and older can receive the vaccine on the UK's National Health Service (NHS), those over 50 can opt for private payment. The surge in demand follows recent studies suggesting the vaccine may reduce the risk of dementia by up to 20 percent.

Scientists have long explored a potential link between shingles, a viral infection caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, and dementia. Shingles typically manifests as a painful, blistering rash, but severe cases can lead to secondary infections, neurological issues, and prolonged pain.

Researchers are intrigued by recent findings, including a Stanford University study conducted in Wales. This study indicated that individuals who received the Shingrix vaccine had up to a 20 percent lower chance of receiving a new dementia diagnosis compared to a control group. The theory posits that the vaccine might enhance the immune system's response, potentially offering protection against neuro-inflammation and infections associated with dementia.

Despite the promising findings, some experts urge caution. Dr. Alasdair Munro of the University of Southampton, who specializes in vaccine clinical trials, noted that historical research has sometimes shown promising initial results that failed to be replicated in larger trials. Former health minister Lord Bethell has publicly stated his belief in the vaccine's preventative effects against dementia, leading him to pay for the jab himself.