Millions of Australians are at risk of shingles, yet many remain unaware of their personal danger—until it's too late. This startling reality is why Shingles Awareness Week is transforming into Shingles Action Week, a bold initiative that goes beyond mere knowledge to inspire real, life-changing conversations.
Running from today until March 1st, this campaign urges at-risk Australians, particularly those aged 50 and older with underlying health conditions, to take a proactive step: discuss their shingles risk with a healthcare professional. But here's where it gets controversial—while 83% of Australians aged 50-70 with long-term health issues worry about shingles disrupting their lives, nearly half (44%) have never even broached the topic with their GP or pharmacist. Why the disconnect? Is it a lack of awareness, fear, or something else entirely?
Professor Paul Van Buynder, a public health physician and professor at Griffith University's School of Medicine, emphasizes the urgency: 'Awareness isn't enough. People often don't recognize their personal risk until shingles strikes someone close to them. Shingles Action Week aims to bridge that gap.' This initiative isn't just about spreading information; it's about empowering individuals to take control of their health through informed dialogue.
The stakes are high. Millions of Australians aged 50 and over live with conditions that elevate their shingles risk, including cardiovascular disease (over 3 million), diabetes (over 1.1 million), asthma (over 1 million), and rheumatoid arthritis (around 400,000). For these individuals, shingles isn't just another health concern—it's a potential double blow, adding physical and emotional strain to already challenging circumstances.
Dr. Geoff Lester, director of the health promotion charity Hearts4heart, underscores this point: 'Shingles can compound the difficulties faced by those managing long-term health issues. It's not just about the physical symptoms; it's the added emotional toll.' Yet, despite these risks, many remain in the dark, missing the opportunity to prevent or mitigate the impact of shingles.
Shingles Action Week is a call to action. Whether it's your GP, pharmacist, or specialist, now is the time to ask the questions that could safeguard your health. But this is the part most people miss—shingles isn't just a minor inconvenience; it's a serious condition that can have lasting effects, especially for those already battling other health challenges.
So, here's a thought-provoking question: Are we doing enough to protect ourselves and our loved ones from shingles, or are we waiting until it's too late? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s start a conversation that could save lives. To learn more, visit Shingles Action Week or download the full Pharmacy Daily newsletter from February 23, 2026, here.
