Shingles Awareness Week 2025

Although shingles is generally not considered a life-threatening condition and is often overlooked in policy and program planning, its complications results in substantial medical costs and indirect expenses, including increased strain on the healthcare systems and lost productivity. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize preventative measures and enhance public awareness, particularly given that 1 in 3 Canadians will experience shingles in their lifetime, with individuals aged 50 and older representing more than two-thirds of cases. (2)   Additionally, only an estimated 36.3% of older Canadians have received the shingles vaccine (5). Beyond the impact on individual quality of life, shingles also places a considerable burden on families and the healthcare system.

In alignment with its mission to improve the well-being of older adults and influence age-related policy, the International Federation on Ageing (IFA) recognizes Shingles Awareness Week, taking place 24 February to 2 March. This initiative will engage policymakers, older Canadians, and advocacy organizations to raise awareness of shingles and the importance of immunization as a preventative measure to support healthy ageing.

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Shingles Awareness Week: A Preventable Pain That Too Many Older Canadians Still Suffer 

The International Federation on Ageing (IFA), in collaboration with the National Institute on Ageing (NIA), is pleased to present an op-ed titled A Preventable Pain That Too Many Older Canadians Still Suffer, in support of Shingles Awareness Week.

* This op-ed was developed in collaboration with the National Institute on Ageing (NIA) to raise awareness about the impact of shingles and the importance of prevention through vaccination.

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