If you’re over 50, it’s important to understand that your risk of developing shingles rises with age. New research reveals that many Australians aged 50-79 aren’t fully aware of this increased risk.

In a recent survey commissioned by GSK Australia, over a third (36%) of participants didn’t know that one in three people will develop shingles in their lifetime, and 26% didn’t think adults over 50 were likely to get it.

What is shingles?

Shingles is a viral infection caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. It can cause painful rashes and even long-term complications. The risk of getting shingles increases as we age, particularly as the immune system weakens over time. Those with a weakened immune system, due to illness, treatments, or medications, may also be at higher risk.

Shingles vaccine: protection available

Fortunately, the Shingrix® vaccine can help prevent shingles, and it’s available for free to:

  • People aged 65 and over
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 and over
  • Anyone over 18 with an underlying health condition or on treatments that weaken the immune system

If you don’t fall into these groups, the vaccine costs around $160 per dose. Some health insurance plans may cover this, so it’s worth checking with your provider.

Shingles Awareness Week

From February 24 to March 2, Shingles Awareness Week helped raise understanding of the condition and address common misconceptions.

Shelly Horton shares her experience

Former Nine presenter Shelly Horton, a vocal advocate for discussing taboo health topics, shared her personal experience with shingles. She explained how a stressful time in her life led to painful blisters on her thigh, leaving her feeling completely debilitated. “The pain was excruciating,” she said.

Shelly also shared how shingles has affected her loved ones. Her mother had a painful rash across her torso, which left her unable to sit or drive. She almost went to the hospital, thinking it was kidney stones. Shelly’s father-in-law even had shingles at her wedding, leaving him in a lot of pain and unable to enjoy the celebration.

Stay informed and protected

Shingles is more common than many realise, especially for people aged 50 and over. The good news is that you can take steps to protect yourself. If you haven’t already, talk to your doctor about the Shingrix vaccine and consider your risk.