Shingles Severely Impacts Older Indians with Chronic Conditions: GSK Survey

A recent global survey commissioned by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), conducted ahead of Shingles Action Week (February 23 to March 1, 2026), has brought to light the significant and often underestimated impact of shingles on older adults in India, particularly those living with chronic health conditions. The findings, published by The Hindu and corroborated by multiple other Indian news outlets, underscore the severe physical and emotional toll of the disease and reveal critical gaps in public awareness and preventive healthcare conversations. The survey, which included 752 Indian adults aged between 50 and 70 years suffering from chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and diabetes, found that 43% of those who had experienced shingles reported severe, day-disrupting pain. Alarmingly, more than one in three reported that the pain was so debilitating it prevented them from working or attending social events, highlighting the profound disruption shingles can cause to an individual's quality of life and independence. Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same virus responsible for chickenpox. After an initial chickenpox infection, the virus remains dormant in the body's nerve tissues and can reactivate years later, often when the immune system weakens. This reactivation typically manifests as a painful rash with blisters, most commonly on one side of the chest, abdomen, or face. The risk of developing shingles, and experiencing more severe complications, significantly increases with age, particularly in adults over 50. Moreover, individuals with compromised immune systems due to underlying chronic health conditions are at an even higher risk. The GSK survey specifically noted that patients with chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease experienced the greatest disruption due to shingles, while those with diabetes and cardiovascular disease reported the highest emotional toll. Dr. Shalini Menon, GSK India's executive vice-president, emphasized that the age-related decline in immunity, combined with chronic diseases affecting millions of older Indians, makes them highly vulnerable to shingles. India's burgeoning older adult population, with over 75 million individuals aged 60 and above living with at least one chronic condition, faces a growing challenge from preventable diseases like shingles. Despite the significant health risks, the survey exposed a striking lack of awareness about shingles among the vulnerable population. Nearly one in four participants with chronic health conditions admitted to knowing little to nothing about the disease. Furthermore, almost one in three were unable to articulate how their chronic condition could heighten their risk of developing shingles. This knowledge deficit extends to preventive conversations with healthcare providers. Critically, the survey revealed that despite nearly 75% of Indian participants aged 50 and above with chronic health conditions reporting regular doctor visits, a staggering 48% stated they had never discussed shingles with their physician. This finding was also highlighted by Dr. Randeep Guleria in The Financial Express, underscoring the pervasive nature of this communication gap. Patients with diabetes (49%) and cardiovascular disease (37%) were identified as the least likely to have engaged in such discussions, despite being at elevated risk. The survey also identified common misconceptions that hinder preventive action. Nearly one in five participants wrongly believed that their chronic health condition does not impact their immune system or increase their risk of shingles. Moreover, over a third incorrectly assumed that good management of their chronic disease alone would protect them from the infection. These misconceptions lead to a lack of perceived risk, with 26% of those who developed shingles expressing surprise at its severity. Medical experts, including Dr. Guleria, advocate for proactive discussions about shingles, especially for individuals over 50, regardless of their immune status. Vaccination is highlighted as the only effective preventive measure against shingles and its potential complications, such as post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN)—a debilitating nerve pain that can persist for months or even years after the rash heals. GSK launched its recombinant subunit vaccine, Shingrix, in India in 2023 for adults aged 50 and above. While Shingrix requires two doses given intramuscularly, it has shown high efficacy and a clinically acceptable safety profile. However, the cost of the vaccine in India, ranging from approximately ₹13,000 to ₹17,000 per dose, can be a barrier to access. The collective findings from these reports emphasize the urgent need for increased public health education and a concerted effort to encourage informed discussions between patients and healthcare professionals in India. Addressing the awareness gaps and misconceptions surrounding shingles is crucial to ensure that older adults, particularly those with chronic health conditions, receive timely vaccination and prevent the severe and often long-lasting impact of this preventable disease.

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