Vaccines aren’t just shields against infections — they might also protect your brain. Emerging research links shots like shingles, pneumococcal, and even COVID-19 vaccines to reduced dementia risk. This article explores how vaccines train your immune system to fight smart, minimize collateral damage, and keep your body and mind healthier for longer.
WORDS PROFESSOR DR TAN MAW PIN
 FEATURED EXPERTPROFESSOR DR TAN MAW PIN Head of Geriatric Medicine and Senior Consultant Faculty of Medicine Universiti Malaya |
When we think of vaccines, we usually think: “Prevent infection, feel better, repeat next year.”
However, recent research is showing that some vaccines do a lot more — they may even protect your brain.
PROTECTION AGAINST DEMENTIA
Take the shingles vaccine, for example.
UK researchers analyzing the UK National Health Service (NHS) data noticed a sudden drop in new dementia cases in people who received the newer recombinant adjuvanted shingles vaccine.
This isn’t a one-off: studies on pneumococcal vaccines and even broader literature reviews suggest that certain other vaccines — rabies, tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis (Tdap), hepatitis A and B, and typhoid — could lower dementia risk.
Even COVID-19 vaccines might play a role.
- Many who get infected with COVID experience lingering “brain fog,” and MRI studies show structural brain changes in unvaccinated individuals.
- Vaccination reduces the likelihood of these long-term cognitive issues.
- Since brain damage often begins decades before dementia symptoms appear, preventing it early could have profound effects.
HOW DO THESE VACCINES PROTECT OUR BRAIN?
The honest answer is that we are not 100% sure yet.
But here’s a possible explanation.
- When your body faces a real infection, it launches an all-out attack, releasing chemicals into the bloodstream to wake up the immune system.
- However, because the body’s “soldiers” — the immune system — do not know what the enemies look like, the resulting war is like throwing a bomb in a wide area to flush out the enemies.
- Unfortunately, this “bombing” can cause potential collateral damage to healthy cells and tissues, which could in turn lead to long-term functional decline.
Vaccines change this game.
- They introduce harmless fragments of the virus or bacteria — like showing your body the enemy’s flag — so your immune system can train its soldiers in advance.
- When the real infection arrives, the soldiers act fast, targeting the invaders with minimal collateral damage. No full-scale bombing.
This is one way as to how vaccines not only prevent illness but may also protect your heart, kidneys, muscles, and — potentially — your brain.
GETTING THESE VACCINES IN A CONVENIENT MANNER
In Malaysia, two vaccines are currently provided for free to older adults through the Klinik Kesihatan:
- Influenza vaccines for those 60 years old or older with certain medical conditions
- COVID-19 vaccines for high-risk groups, including older persons
Eligible Malaysians can make their booking via the MySejahtera App, where eligibility and available slots are clearly listed.
Stocks are limited, so booking early is wise!
IN CONCLUSION
Vaccines aren’t just a shot in the arm — they’re an investment in your long-term health, protecting your body, your brain, and your independence.
| This article is part of our series on vaccination. |
