Only 8% rate a shingles discussion with a doctor as a priority
A GSK Australia-commissioned survey found 92% of Australians aged 50-69 do not consider it a priority to discuss shingles risk with a healthcare professional.
YouGov surveyed 1,055 people in that age group between 24 August 2026 and 26 August 2026. Just 8% rated a discussion about shingles or their own risk as a priority.
Shingles affects more than 100,000 Australians each year, mostly people over 50. About one in three Australians develop shingles in their lifetime, and the risk rises with age, especially from 50.
Almost all Australian adults can develop shingles because they had chickenpox earlier in life, even if they do not remember it. The condition typically appears as a painful, blistering rash.
Among the 65% of respondents who had shingles or knew someone who had, 79% reported at least one area of life was affected. Day-to-day activities topped the list at 53%, followed by work or income at 46%, exercise at 44%, socialising at 42%, hobbies or leisure activities at 32% and family celebrations at 20%.
Buckley details repeated shingles attacks
Australian television presenter Nicky Buckley is speaking publicly about shingles for the first time after having the condition multiple times. On 29 September 2026, she is set to unveil GSK Australia’s What’s Your Hidden Health Baggage? Claims Board in Martin Place, featuring stories from Australians whose everyday moments were disrupted by shingles.
Buckley said: “I’ve had shingles more than once and I still have the scars to show for it. One of the worst episodes was on my face, and I needed nurses coming in twice a day to care for me. It left me exhausted, in pain and unable to work.”
Meanwhile, the survey found many people in the same age group gave higher priority to other health issues. Those included staying on top of health as they get older at 60%, exercising and staying active at 56%, looking after mental wellbeing at 56%, attending regular health check-ups at 37% and specialist appointments or treatment for an existing condition at 27%.
Professor Robert Booy, an infectious diseases specialist, said people in their 50s and 60s may not think shingles is something they need to consider. He said risk rises with age and can be higher for people living with chronic conditions including asthma, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, renal disease and immune conditions.
