Archive · 6 Dec 2025
Vaccines May Offer Unexpected Health Benefits
Vaccines are usually known for preventing specific diseases, but new research shows they might have other health benefits too.
For example, the shingles vaccine might help prevent dementia, and the Covid-19 vaccine might help some cancer patients live longer.
Another old vaccine for tuberculosis, called BCG, might also help prevent infant deaths and Alzheimer's disease.
Scientists think these vaccines work by training the immune system to be stronger and respond better to different kinds of infections.
While more research is needed, these findings suggest that vaccines could have even more uses than we originally thought.
Shingles vaccine may reduce the risk of developing dementia in adults.
Covid-19 vaccine increased survival rates in certain cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy.
BCG vaccine may prevent infant mortality and potentially Alzheimer's disease.
Trained immunity is a broad immune response that can help the body fight unrelated infections.
mRNA vaccines, like those for Covid-19, trigger a strong immune response by using messenger RNA.
- Who
- Researchers and health officials
- What
- Vaccines may have broader health benefits beyond their primary purpose
- When
- Ongoing studies and recent findings
- Where
- Global research and studies in Wales, Australia, and the U.S.
- Why
- To explore the potential of vaccines in preventing dementia, improving cancer survival rates, and reducing infant mortality
- Shingles Vaccine
- May reduce dementia risk in adults
- Covid-19 Vaccine
- Increased survival rates in certain cancer patients
- BCG Vaccine
- May prevent infant mortality and Alzheimer's disease
- Trained Immunity
- Broad immune response to unrelated exposures
- mRNA Vaccines
- Trigger immune response by using messenger RNA