You’ve probably heard of the shingles shot (Shingrix) or maybe the new RSV vaccines for adults. Most of us know these vaccines are great for preventing painful or dangerous infections. But here’s something you might not know: researchers are starting to wonder if these shots could have a bonus benefit-helping protect your brain.
Let’s break it down.
What’s an adjuvant, and why is it in these vaccines?
Vaccines teach your immune system how to fight off germs. An adjuvant is like a “coach” that makes your body’s response even stronger. It doesn’t replace the main vaccine ingredient-it just helps your immune system get the message loud and clear.
The special booster in Shingrix and Arexvy
Both the shingles vaccine (Shingrix) and one of the RSV vaccines for older adults (Arexvy, made by GSK) use the same adjuvant called AS01. This little powerhouse is made of two parts:
- MPL: a harmless, highly purified piece of a bacterial molecule that wakes up your immune system.
- QS-21: a natural extract from the bark of the soapbark tree in Chile.
These ingredients are packaged in tiny fat bubbles (liposomes) that help deliver them right where they need to go. Together, they make your immune system work harder and smarter-something that’s especially important as we get older.
Other RSV vaccines work differently
Pfizer’s RSV vaccine, Abrysvo, doesn’t use an adjuvant at all, while Moderna’s RSV vaccine uses mRNA technology, similar to the COVID-19 vaccines.
The surprising dementia connection
Here’s where it gets interesting. Several recent studies found that people who got the shingles shot, the RSV vaccine, or both were less likely to be diagnosed with dementia over the next couple of years. The difference was around 20-30%.
That doesn’t mean these vaccines are a magic shield against memory problems. Scientists aren’t sure if the benefit comes from avoiding infections like shingles, from the adjuvant training the immune system in helpful ways, or from other factors. The research is exciting, but it’s still early-we don’t have proof yet.
Why these vaccines are still worth it
Even without the dementia link, these vaccines are a smart choice. Shingles can cause weeks of nerve pain, and RSV can lead to serious illness in older adults. Both Shingrix and Arexvy are highly effective at preventing these problems. And if future research confirms a bonus benefit for brain health? That’s just icing on the cake.
So, if you’re eligible, talk to your family doctor or pharmacist about getting protected. Your future self-brain and body-might thank you.
Schedule your vaccine today!