Unveiling the Shingles Mystery: A Global Survey's Eye-Opening Findings
Are you aware that a silent threat lurks in the shadows of chickenpox, ready to strike adults over 50 with a painful rash and long-term nerve pain?
A recent global survey has shed light on a concerning issue: a significant gap in awareness regarding the risks of shingles (herpes zoster) among adults aged 50 and older with certain chronic health conditions. This survey, spanning ten countries, reveals a disconnect between perceived risk, concern, and preventive action, leaving many vulnerable to a preventable disease.
Shingles, caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, can lead to severe complications, including long-term nerve pain known as postherpetic neuralgia. Adults aged 50 and over are at heightened risk due to age-related immune decline, and this risk is further increased for those with chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, or other immunocompromising conditions.
The survey's key findings are striking: nearly 25% of participants reported knowing little or nothing about shingles, and despite regular doctor visits, almost half (around 48%) had never discussed shingles with a healthcare professional (HCP).
But here's where it gets controversial...
Katrina Bouzanis, Director of Policy and Advocacy at the International Federation on Ageing, emphasizes the issue: "Shingles is often overlooked in health discussions, despite the significant additional burden it can place on adults aged 50 and over who are already living with chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or kidney disease."
Bouzanis adds, "Shingles Action Week is an important opportunity to encourage more informed discussions about shingles as a central strategy to support healthy aging."
The primary vaccination option for shingles is Shingrix, a non-live, recombinant adjuvanted subunit vaccine that offers high efficacy and long-lasting protection. It is recommended for adults aged 50 and older, as well as for those aged 18 and over who are at increased risk due to immunosuppression or chronic conditions.
Shingrix has largely replaced older vaccination options in many countries, including the U.S., due to its superior performance. As of March 2026, Shingrix is approved in over 50 countries, with national programs often prioritizing it for older adults and at-risk groups, and some offering free or subsidized access.
And this is the part most people miss...
Coverage rates for the vaccine remain variable, higher in regions like the U.S. (around 30-35% among eligible adults) and parts of the UK (58-75% in targeted age groups). Shingles Action Week, scheduled from February 23 to March 1, 2026, aims to raise awareness of the disease's pain and disruption and urge at-risk adults to consult HCPs about prevention.
Shingles and herpes are often confused because they are both members of the broader herpesvirus family. However, they are distinct conditions caused by different viruses. While Shingles is vaccine-preventable, no approved herpes vaccines are available as of March 2, 2026.
This survey, conducted in Australia, Austria, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, Poland, and the United Arab Emirates across eight languages, targeted adults aged 50-70 and was funded by GSK, conducted by Human8.
