Study Reveals Low Awareness of Shingles Among Older Indians Amid Rising Risk

Global Shingles Awareness Survey Highlights Limited Awareness Among Older Indians

Key Findings:

• A survey of 6,103 adults aged 50-70 across 10 countries, including 752 participants from India, found limited awareness of shingles among older Indians with chronic health conditions.
• 48% of Indian respondents with chronic conditions have never discussed shingles with a doctor, despite 75% visiting healthcare providers regularly.
• Awareness was particularly low among patients with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and COPD.

Impact of Shingles on Older Adults:

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• Among those who had developed shingles in the past, 43% of Indian participants reported severe, day-disrupting pain, and more than a third said the episode hampered their ability to work or take part in social activities.
• Respondents with chronic kidney and cardiovascular disease reported greater disruption.

Growing Public-Health Impact:

• India's population aged 60 and above is projected to more than double from 153 million to 347 million by 2050.
• The burden of age-linked infections like shingles is expected to rise sharply.

Prevention Efforts:

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• GSK has launched its shingles vaccine, Shingrix, in India in April 2023 for adults aged 50 and above.
• The recombinant, non-live vaccine offers more than 90% efficacy and provides at least 10 years of protection, making it suitable even for immunocompromised adults.
• GSK's focus on shingles aligns with its broader adult-vaccination strategy and efforts to integrate preventive care into India's health system.

Recommendations:

• Doctor-initiated conversations remain the strongest driver of preventive action: respondents who heard about shingles from a healthcare professional were far more likely to consider vaccination.
• Regular, informed conversations between patients and doctors are essential to address the growing need for preventive care among ageing adults.