Why Do UAE doctors urge residents over 50 to get the shingles vaccine?

In a country known for setting health and wellness standards in the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is once again making strides in preventive healthcare. This time, the focus is on residents aged 50 and above, and the message is clear: get vaccinated against shingles. What’s making headlines isn’t just that the vaccine protects against a painful rash. New research suggests it could also slash your risk of heart disease, dementia, stroke, and even death. That’s right, one jab might be doing much more than most people realize.

A Vaccine That Does More Than Stop a Rash

The call for action comes after an eye-opening study presented at IDWeek 2025, where researchers found that adults who received the shingles (herpes zoster) vaccine had:

• 50% lower risk of vascular dementia
• 27% lower risk of blood clots
• 25% lower risk of heart attack or stroke
• 21% lower risk of death

That’s a remarkable ripple effect from a vaccine primarily known for preventing an itchy, blistering rash.

According to Dr. Shahrzad Mojtabavi Naeini, GP Aesthetics at International Modern Hospital Dubai, shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same culprit behind chickenpox. “It leads to a painful rash and blisters on one side of the body or face, often with burning or nerve pain that can last months,” she explained. “This can affect quality of life, sleep, and in some cases, even cause complications involving the eyes or nerves.”

In simpler terms: shingles is not something you want to experience. And if you’re over 50, the odds of getting it, and its complications, start to climb sharply.

Here’s where things get concerning. Despite the proven benefits, public awareness in the UAE remains surprisingly low. Dr. Naeini noted that a 2022 UAE study found that while 64% of adults over 50 had heard of shingles, only 15% knew about the vaccine, and less than 4% had actually received it. That’s a massive gap between awareness and action.

Similarly, Dr. Priyanka Porwal, Specialist in Internal Medicine at Aster Clinic, Sheikh Zayed Road, highlighted that only a small fraction of residents truly understand the condition. “Although nearly two-thirds of participants had heard of shingles, only 2% had good understanding, and less than 4% had received the vaccine,” she said, citing a 2023 UAE study. She added an important clarification: “Shingles itself isn’t contagious in the way people think. You can’t catch shingles from someone else, but a person with active shingles can transmit the chickenpox virus to someone who’s never had chickenpox or its vaccine.”

Shingles Vaccine in the UAE: Who Should Get It?

The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) officially recommends the shingles vaccine for:

• Adults aged 50 and above
• Immunocompromised individuals, regardless of age

The vaccine, available in most major healthcare facilities across the UAE, is administered in two doses spaced about six months apart. Global studies show it offers over 90% efficacy in older adults and provides protection for at least 10 years, possibly even longer. “Vaccines are our heroes,” said Dr. Porwal. “They work quietly in the background, protecting us from diseases that can change our lives forever.” Perhaps the most fascinating part of the new research is how the shingles vaccine may also protect your heart and brain.

Dr. Porwal explained that this broader protection likely stems from reducing viral reactivation and inflammation in the body. Inflammation has long been linked to the development of chronic conditions such as dementia, heart disease, and stroke. “While this is still an evolving area of research and not yet a primary guideline, the evidence is compelling,” she said. “Adults aged 50 and above who’ve had chickenpox in the past should seriously consider vaccination.” Even those who have already had shingles are encouraged to get vaccinated, as prior infection does not provide lifelong immunity.

What Experts Are Saying

Supporting these findings, Dr. Haram Abass Mohammed Abass, Specialist Dermatology at Burjeel Medical City, cited studies showing that older adults who received the shingles vaccine had about a 17–20% lower risk of dementia and a 23% lower risk of cardiovascular events. “The data indicates that protection remains high for at least 10 years for patients who completed the two-dose series,” he said. That’s a decade of added peace of mind, not just from shingles, but potentially from much more serious health threats.

Why This Matters for the UAE

The UAE has been steadily moving toward a proactive healthcare model, emphasizing prevention over treatment. From mandatory health screenings to national fitness initiatives, the country’s leadership is investing heavily in the well-being of its residents. But as life expectancy rises, age-related illnesses are becoming a greater concern, especially diseases like dementia and stroke, which are both devastating and costly to manage. That’s why experts say it’s time for a cultural shift, one where getting vaccinated is seen as a smart, preventive investment rather than an optional medical task.

If you’re over 50, your immune system isn’t as robust as it once was. That’s just biology. But that doesn’t mean you can’t take charge of your health.

The shingles vaccine is one of those rare medical advances that offers multiple protective benefits, all from two simple doses. It’s a shield against a painful viral infection, and potentially a safeguard for your heart, brain, and longevity. As Dr. Naeini aptly put it: “Don’t wait to experience shingles to understand how serious it can be. Prevention through vaccination and awareness is your best strategy.”

So, if you or a loved one is aged 50 or older, now is the time to talk to your doctor. The shingles vaccine is available across the UAE, and it might just be one of the smartest health decisions you ever make.

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