Only 4 in 10 (38%) people aged 50-79 are aware that underlying illnesses may increase shingles risk 1 – new research from GSK Ireland

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  • Half of respondents (50%) wrongly believe shingles is contagious, while just over four in 10 (43%) believe there is a cure for the condition 1

 

  • 60% of those surveyed say they feel younger than their age – potentially overlooking their shingles risk 1

 

  • Only half (52%) of those surveyed are aware that stress can increase the risk of shingles 1

 

  • 58% consider shingles to be a severe condition 1 and 57% say it would have an extremely negative impact on their quality of life 1

 

 

1 in 3 people will develop shingles in their lifetime 2-4. The risk of shingles increases with age2 or if you have an underlying illness such as cancer, autoimmune conditions or chronic conditions like diabetes, asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), or one of a myriad of heart conditions such as heart disease, heart failure, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, stroke, atrial fibrillation etc.5-8.

 

According to new research commissioned by GSK Ireland, almost seven in 10 people (69%) aged 50-79 report living with at least one of these underlying illnesses1 – but only four in 10 (38%) are aware that these conditions can increase the risk of shingles1.

 

Only half (52%) are aware that stress can increase the risk of shingles1, while just 51% recognise that certain medications for illnesses such as cancer or autoimmune conditions can affect the immune system and increase the risk of developing shingles.

 

The research also identified a number of misconceptions about shingles. Half of respondents (50%) believe shingles is contagious1, while just over four in 10 (43%) believe there is a cure for the condition1. Additionally, 24% incorrectly believe that having had chickenpox in the past reduces their likelihood of developing shingles in the next 12 months1. Meanwhile, 43% believe that being in good health protects them from shingles1, potentially underestimating their risk due to the natural ageing of their immune system.

 

Despite these gaps in awareness, respondents recognise the significant impact shingles can have on daily life. More than half (58%) described shingles as a severe condition1, while 57% said developing shingles would have an extremely negative impact on their quality of life1. However, there remains a clear disconnect between general awareness and perceived personal risk, with only 23% believing they are at risk of developing shingles in the next five years1.

 

Eavan Daly, Country Medical Director at GSK Ireland, said: “Our data shows that many people have misunderstandings about shingles, may underestimate their own potential risks or are unaware of the risk factors linked to developing shingles. Shingles can have a severe impact on a person’s health and quality of life, particularly for those with existing long-term conditions, which drives our efforts to raise awareness and encourage people to speak with their healthcare provider to learn more.”

 

Notes to Editor:

Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), the same virus that causes chickenpox, and at least 94% of people over 50 already carry the virus9.

The disease, which typically presents as a rash, with painful blisters across the chest, abdomen or face2,10 is often described as aching, burning, stabbing or shock-like2. Following the shingles rash, a person can also experience post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), a long-lasting nerve pain that can last weeks or months and occasionally persist for several years. 3, PHN occurs in up to 30% of all shingles cases3.   10-25% of shingles cases can affect the eye which in some cases can result in serious eye complications.2

 

Research Methodology

Research into perceptions and understanding of shingles in Ireland was conducted by Ipsos MRBI on behalf of GSK. Fieldwork was carried out between 8 and 30 March 2026​. 511 people aged between 50 and 79 years participated in the online survey. Respondents were recruited to match national proportions in terms of region where they live​, gender​ and working situation​.

 

About GSK

GSK is a global biopharma company with a purpose to unite science, technology, and talent to get ahead of disease together. Find out more at gsk.com.

 

About GSK Ireland                                              

GSK is a global biopharma company with a purpose to unite science, technology, and talent to get ahead of disease together. We have a long heritage in Ireland, operating here for almost 100 years. Today, our Dublin headquarters is home to our commercial business. Through our sales, marketing, market access and medical teams, we make a range of over 100 prescription medicines and vaccines available to adults in Ireland. Find out more at gsk.com/en- gb/locations/ireland/