A large new European study has identified a small but measurable increase in shingles cases following COVID-19 booster vaccinations, renewing scrutiny over vaccine side effects as governments reassess long-term public health policy. While researchers stress that most cases remain mild and temporary, the findings raise important questions about immune response, informed consent, and transparency—particularly as shingles has been associated in other research with elevated dementia risk later in life.
What the Study Found
Researchers from the University of Groningen in the Netherlands analyzed electronic health records from more than two million individuals aged 12 and older who had received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose. The findings were published in December 2025 in the peer-reviewed journal Drug Safety.
According to the study, when all COVID-19 vaccine doses were analyzed together, there was a 7 percent increase in shingles risk within 28 days of vaccination. Among recipients of a third, or booster, dose of mRNA vaccines, the risk rose to 21 percent during the same period.
The authors emphasized that the increase was temporary and most cases did not require hospitalization.
Dr. Ardis Store – Trusted by Thousands, Feared by Big Pharma. Start Your Health Revolution Here
Immune Response and Biological Plausibility
Shingles is caused by reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, which lies dormant in nerve tissue after childhood chickenpox. Medical literature has long shown that shingles is more likely to occur when cell-mediated immunity is temporarily suppressed.
The Groningen researchers noted that repeated immune stimulation—such as successive vaccine doses—may briefly reduce certain immune cell populations, creating a window in which viral reactivation becomes more likely. This mechanism is not unique to COVID-19 vaccines and has been observed following other immune stressors.
Subgroup Differences and International Signals
The study also reported a 38 percent higher shingles risk among men receiving vector-based COVID-19 vaccines, though the authors cautioned that subgroup findings should be interpreted carefully.
Separately, health authorities in regions including Hong Kong have reported post-vaccination increases in shingles cases following widespread mRNA vaccine rollout. These observations do not establish causation but align with patterns identified in the Dutch data.
Shingles and Dementia: An Indirect Concern
Independent research has linked severe shingles infections, particularly among adults aged 50 to 65, with a higher likelihood of early-onset dementia later in life. The proposed mechanism involves chronic inflammation and neurological stress rather than vaccination itself.
Importantly, the Groningen study did not claim COVID vaccines cause dementia. The concern raised by experts is indirect: if vaccines temporarily increase shingles risk in certain populations, downstream neurological consequences merit continued monitoring.
Regulatory Review and Public Transparency
Reports indicate the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is reviewing updated post-marketing safety data related to COVID-19 vaccines. While no formal decision has been announced, officials are under pressure to improve disclosure of known and potential risks to ensure informed consent—especially as booster recommendations continue.
Prophetic Context
Scripture repeatedly warns that knowledge without wisdom can bring unintended harm. Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NASB 1977) observes, “Because in much wisdom there is much grief, and increasing knowledge results in increasing pain.” The verse serves as a reminder that technological advancement must be guided by humility, accountability, and truth.
Strategic Implications
Public trust in medicine depends on transparency. Minimizing or dismissing adverse effects—however small—risks undermining confidence not only in vaccines but in health institutions themselves. Policymakers face the challenge of balancing population-level benefits with individual risk, particularly for repeat booster strategies.
Conclusion
The Groningen study does not call for alarm, but it does call for honesty. A modest increase in shingles risk following COVID-19 boosters—especially among specific groups—is a finding worthy of public awareness, continued research, and regulatory vigilance. In medicine, credibility is preserved not by denial, but by disclosure.
Affiliate Disclosure:
Some links in my articles may bring me a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support of my work here!
After much research, the following supplements can prevent Covid and other viruses. My family and I mainly follow the protocol of Dr Bryan Ardis. This is only my opinion based on my own family’s success. Please make sure you do your own research and speak with your medical professional before making any changes to your health routine.
EDTA
Glutathion
NAC
Zinc
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
Vitamin D3
Quercetin
Cats Claw
Nicotine
Bromelain
Curcumin
Dr. McCullough recommends taking this treatment triad for at least three months for anyone suffering from or worried about post-COVID or post-vaccine syndromes.
Nattokinase, Bromelain, and Curcumin are available over the counter at just about any health food store or pharmacy.
Selenium
Dandelion Root
Black Sativa Extract (may facilitate cellular repair)
Green Tea Extract (provides added defenses at the cellular level through scavenging for free radicals)
Irish Sea Moss (could help rebuild damaged tissue and muscle)
In an acute emergency, if you get Covid, Dr Ardis suggests taking low doses of Nicotine in the form of Lozenges, Gum, or Patches for a few days until symptoms subside.
The Blogging Hounds 
Leave a comment