Can shingles vaccination reduce the risk of heart attacks, brain hemorrhage and dementia?
The purpose of the DAN-ZOSTER study is to investigate whether the shingles vaccine Shingrix® can reduce the risk of heart attacks, brain hemorrhage, cardiovascular death, and dementia in people aged 65 years or older.
If you have any questions, you can find answers at the bottom of the page under Questions and Answers. You are also welcome to call us at 88 30 01 02 on weekdays between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Shingles (herpes zoster) occurs when the varicella-zoster virus — which remains in the body after childhood chickenpox — becomes active again later in life. The risk increases with age and may cause a painful rash and, for some, long-lasting nerve pain or other complications requiring medical attention. Some research suggests that shingles may be associated with an increased risk of heart attack, stroke or brain hemorrhage, and possibly also an increased risk of developing dementia. Several studies also suggest that the shingles vaccine may reduce these risks, but large, well-designed studies are needed to determine this with certainty. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent shingles. Shingrix® is approved in Denmark and provides strong protection against the disease. The DAN-ZOSTER study will examine whether vaccination — in addition to preventing shingles — may also reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events and dementia in people aged 65 years and above.
Who can participate in the study?
You can participate in the study if you are 65 years of age or older. You cannot participate if you have previously been diagnosed with dementia or if you are being treated with immunosuppressive medication for a chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease or if you have already received a shingles vaccine. It is a requirement for participating in the study that you understand Danish or English.
How the study works
You sign up for the DAN-ZOSTER trial here on this website by clicking the “Participate in the study here” button further down the page.
The trial takes place at all DLVS vaccination clinics across Denmark. If you choose to take part, you will be randomly assigned to one of two groups:
- The vaccination group, who will receive the Shingrix® vaccine, and
- The control group, who will not receive a vaccine as part of the trial.
The vaccine is given in two doses, 2–6 months apart. Therefore, when you sign up, you must book two appointments at the same time so that the full vaccination schedule is planned from the beginning. Only half of participants will receive the vaccine, but both appointments must be reserved before randomisation.
Once you have clicked “Participate in the study here” further down this page and booked your two appointments, you can give consent to participate in one of two ways:
- Online: You give electronic consent immediately. Randomisation happens right afterwards, and you will be informed straight away whether you have been assigned to the vaccination group or the control group.
- Consent in person at the clinic: You book your two appointments but wait to give consent until you attend the clinic for the first time. Here you will receive oral information and provide consent, after which randomisation takes place on site. If you are assigned to the vaccination group, you can receive your first dose at this same visit. If you are assigned to the control group, no vaccines will be given. (Please note: Two appointments must be booked through this website before it is possible to attend the clinic and give consent. It is not possible to turn up and give consent without having booked two appointments through this website.)
If you have questions, you can find answers at the bottom of the page under “Questions and answers.” You are also welcome to call us on 88 30 01 02 on weekdays between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
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