Shingles Survey Exposes Massive Awareness Gaps

A recent global survey has revealed significant gaps in awareness regarding the risks of shingles (herpes zoster) among adults aged 50 and older who have certain chronic health conditions.

The survey included respondents from ten countries and highlights the urgent need for more proactive discussions between patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs) about shingles prevention, especially during routine health appointments.

Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox. It typically presents as a painful rash and 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. 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 illustrate a disconnect between perceived risk, concern, and preventive action. Nearly 25% of participants reported knowing little or nothing about shingles.

Despite 75% of respondents visiting doctors regularly, almost half (around 48%) indicated they had never discussed shingles with an HCP.

Katrina Bouzanis, Director of Policy and Advocacy at the International Federation on Ageing, emphasized this 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 added, "Shingles Action Week is an important opportunity to encourage more informed. It is a concern 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.

The vaccine 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®, produced by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), is approved in over 50 countries, where national programs often prioritize it for older adults and at-risk groups, with some offering free or subsidized access.

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 is scheduled from February 23 to March 1, 2026, 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.

The survey was conducted in Australia, Austria, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, Poland, and the United Arab Emirates across eight languages. It targeted adults aged 50-70 and was funded by GSK, conducted by Human8.