Shingles, a re-emergence of the chickenpox virus, is an increasingly pressing health concern in India. With an ageing population and a rise in chronic illnesses, the risk of shingles is growing, yet awareness and prevention measures lag behind.
The varicella-zoster virus, responsible for childhood chickenpox, can lie dormant for years, only to resurface later in life as shingles. Beyond the visible rash, patients often endure intense nerve pain, impacting their daily lives significantly. A recent survey by GSK highlights that 43% of shingles patients experience severe pain, disrupting their daily routines and social activities.
Despite the disease's impact, adult vaccination against shingles is not yet a mainstream conversation in India's healthcare system. Medical experts attribute this to a historical focus on pediatric vaccines, leaving adult vaccination strategies underdeveloped. GSK, a marketer of a recombinant shingles vaccine, emphasizes the importance of vaccination for adults aged 50 and above, who are most vulnerable to the disease and its complications like post-herpetic neuralgia.
Clinical data supports the long-term protection and immune response offered by the vaccine. However, low awareness, exclusion from national immunization programs, and limited insurance coverage hinder its uptake. The cost of vaccination, around Rs. 20,000 in the private market, is a significant barrier, especially without public procurement or structured adult immunization pathways.
Experts warn that India's rapidly ageing population and the rise of non-communicable diseases could exacerbate this issue. The shift towards non-live vaccines, as seen with Merck & Co.'s discontinued live-attenuated vaccine, reflects the need for longer-lasting immunity in ageing populations with comorbidities.
Public health stakeholders advocate for integrating shingles awareness into India's preventive healthcare narrative. Industry and research groups are assessing the economic burden of shingles, including productivity loss and long-term healthcare costs. Ignoring adult immunization could lead to shingles becoming a widespread socio-economic strain, a preventable issue with timely intervention.
As India faces the dual challenge of longevity and chronic disease, the need for a comprehensive adult immunization strategy is evident. The time to act is now, before shingles becomes a larger societal burden.
