Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Feb 28: Pharmaceutical major GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has urged greater awareness around adult immunisation in India, highlighting that shingles prevention remains largely absent from health discussions among adults living with chronic illnesses.
Citing findings from a global survey commissioned by the company, GSK said shingles — caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus responsible for chickenpox — can lead to severe, “day-disrupting” pain and significantly affect quality of life, particularly among older adults and those with weakened immune systems.
Shalini Menon, Executive Vice-President (Medical Affairs), GSK India, noted that while life expectancy in India is increasing, many people are living longer with chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease and chronic lung disorders. These illnesses gradually weaken immune function, making ageing adults more vulnerable to infections like shingles.
“India is living longer but not necessarily healthier,” she said, adding that awareness about the link between chronic diseases and declining immune health remains limited among older adults.
According to the survey findings:
Nearly 43% of Indian respondents who had experienced shingles reported severe, day-disrupting pain.
More than one in three said the illness prevented them from working or attending social engagements.
Patients with chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease reported the greatest disruption.
Those with diabetes and cardiovascular disease described the highest emotional toll.
GSK launched its shingles vaccine in India in early 2023 for adults aged 50 years and above. The two-dose vaccine is currently available in the private market at approximately Rs 11,000 per dose.
While India remains at an early stage in adult vaccination adoption, the company has expanded approvals in other countries. In China, the vaccine is approved for adults aged 18 years and above. In the United States, regulators have cleared a pre-filled syringe version to improve convenience and administration efficiency.
Responding to queries, Menon said the pre-filled syringe system is under consideration for India, though it is too early to confirm launch plans. She added that GSK is currently gathering real-world data on the vaccine’s performance in India before exploring broader integration into public health channels.
The company is advocating for a “life-course immunisation” approach, positioning preventive adult vaccination alongside childhood immunisation programmes to reduce long-term healthcare costs associated with preventable infections.
To underline the urgency, GSK cited Japan’s experience, where nearly 29% of the population was aged 65 and above by 2020. The demographic shift coincided with a more than 50% increase in shingles cases in that age group, prompting authorities in certain provinces to incorporate shingles vaccination into immunisation protocols.
Health experts say that as India’s population ages and chronic disease rates climb, preventive strategies such as shingles vaccination must become standard components of chronic disease management rather than optional discussions.