Vaccines May Be Multitasking More Than We Think

Good morning. Mentally, I'm still in the winter wonderland that was Maine, where I spent the holiday break with family. There's a lesser-known tradition that treats this Tuesday as a post-holiday exhale — and honestly, sign me up. That slow-down, savor-a-little, start-gently energy is exactly how I'm approaching the new year (we'll see how that's going next week). If you're a few days into January and still committed to romanticizing it, these eight simple ideas deliver (number two is a no-brainer). Another thing I swear by is this one type of pant — while editing this newsletter or tackling almost anything — and now there are a few fresh ways to wear them. And finally, one of my favorite ways to kick off a new year: a brand-new book. Here are the best book club picks for 2026. Now, let's get to the news... — Marina Carver / Senior Editor / Brooklyn, NY Woman getting a vaccine Health Vaccines May Be Multitasking More Than We Think What's going on: New evidence adds to the case for why older people should get vaccinated. A recent meta-analysis suggests the shingles vaccine doesn’t just protect against the painful infection caused by the same virus as chickenpox — the two-dose shot may be associated with slower dementia progression. Doctors call this an "off-target benefit" — a bonus effect beyond a vaccine’s original purpose. You’ve likely heard versions of this before. Last fall, a study found the COVID-19 mRNA shot sparked an immune response that could help people fight off advanced lung or skin cancers. Over the years, researchers have spotted similar effects — some backed by decades of data, and others more recent, as scientists continue to explore how vaccines shape the immune system in broader ways. What it means: The main reason to get vaccinated against shingles is still straightforward: 90% protection against a virus that can cause painful blisters, long-term nerve pain, and other serious complications. This new research adds another reason to roll up your sleeve. The findings point to promising links, not proof, and a clinician can help weigh the benefits, timing, and options based on your health history. That conversation also opens the door to a broader check-in on vaccines, whether for parents, older loved ones, or for yourself. And even if you’re young and healthy, staying up to date on shots remains one of the simplest ways to prevent disease.