Shingles Vaccine Shingrix Sales Double Amid Dementia Prevention Claims Sales of the Shingrix shingles vaccine have more than doubled in a year after studies suggested it may reduce dementia risk by up to 20 per cent, drawing interest from over-50s. Sales of the Shingrix shingles vaccine, which costs £460, have more than doubled in a year following claims that it can help prevent dementia. Over-50s are booking the vaccine at Boots, with the pharmacy chain reporting a 30 per cent increase in bookings in the year to September 2025 and more than double the number in the past 12 months. The vaccine is available on the NHS for those aged 65 and over, but over-50s can pay privately. Rising Demand for Shingles VaccineBoots has seen a surge in demand for the Shingrix vaccine, particularly among people over 50 who are willing to pay for the jab. The chain said bookings increased by 30 per cent in the year to September 2025, and have more than doubled over the past 12 months. This rise coincides with growing public awareness of studies suggesting the vaccine may reduce the risk of dementia by up to 20 per cent.Shingles is a viral infection caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox. It typically results in a painful blistering rash around the waist and can lead to severe complications, including secondary infections, neurological problems, and pain that persists for months.Dementia Prevention Evidence and Expert CautionScientists have long suspected a link between shingles and dementia. Recent evidence has intrigued researchers, suggesting that vaccines may boost the immune system enough to fight other issues such as neuro-inflammation and infections associated with dementia. A Stanford University study last year, comparing two groups in Wales, found that the vaccine reduced the likelihood of a new dementia diagnosis by up to 20 per cent among those who received it.Former health minister Lord Bethell wrote in The Mail on Sunday that he is paying for the jab because he is convinced it will prevent him from developing the condition. However, Dr Alasdair Munro of the University of Southampton, who designs and runs clinical trials for vaccines, cautioned that history has many examples where such studies showed promising effects, but trials failed to replicate those findings.GlaxoSmithKline Reports Record SalesGlaxoSmithKline, the maker of Shingrix, said 2025 was another record year for the vaccine, with sales reaching £3.6 billion. The company has not commented on the dementia prevention claims, but the rising sales reflect growing demand driven by the potential added benefit.The vaccine is available on the NHS for those aged 65 and over, but many over-50s are opting to pay privately at pharmacies like Boots. The trend highlights the impact of recent studies on public perception, even as experts urge caution until further trials confirm the dementia prevention link.