A series of community initiatives held during Shingles Action Week aimed to help older Singaporeans better understand shingles and encourage them to speak with their doctors about ways to protect themselves from the disease.

The programmes were organised through a collaboration between GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Diabetes Singapore and Fei Yue Community Services. Activities took place throughout the week beginning 3 March and build on Singapore’s first nationwide shingles awareness movement launched in October 2025.

The expanded efforts reflect growing momentum behind the campaign, with new community partnerships and additional outreach activities designed to help seniors move beyond awareness and take practical steps toward prevention.

Community Events Combine Education and Health Guidance

Shingles Action Week activities began with an awareness session held alongside Fei Yue Community Services’ Golden Wellness Day in Senja, Bukit Panjang. The event welcomed residents who were collecting festive packs and offered educational activities designed to increase understanding of the disease.

Interactive booths were set up to help participants better appreciate the physical impact of shingles. One exhibit simulated the pain associated with the condition, allowing seniors to gain a clearer sense of what the illness can feel like.

Local veteran actors Chen Shu Cheng, Richard Low and Zhu Hou Ren also participated as advocates, sharing their experiences and encouraging their peers to speak with doctors about the condition and available preventive measures.

Beyond the educational segment, seniors were given the opportunity to seek personalised health guidance. Healthcare professionals from the National University Health System conducted one-to-one coaching sessions as part of a broader community health initiative, allowing participants to ask questions and discuss their personal health concerns.

Continued Outreach Through Community Partnerships

Additional awareness activities were also scheduled during the week, including another event organised jointly by Diabetes Singapore and GSK for approximately 50 seniors.

The programme includes medical experts who will provide information about shingles as well as seniors living with diabetes who will share their personal experiences. These sessions aim to highlight how existing health conditions may influence an individual’s vulnerability to shingles and the potential impact of the disease.

Community organisations involved in the initiative emphasise that sustained engagement is essential to building awareness and encouraging preventive conversations among older adults.

Understanding the Risk of Shingles

Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, affects an estimated 30,000 individuals in Singapore each year. The disease occurs when the virus responsible for chickenpox reactivates later in life.

More than 90 per cent of people aged 50 and above carry the chickenpox virus, which means a large portion of the population is at risk of developing shingles as they age.

Individuals with underlying conditions such as diabetes may face higher risks. Studies have shown that people with diabetes are significantly more likely to be hospitalised due to shingles and related complications compared with those without the condition.

Despite this risk, awareness does not always translate into action. Surveys in Singapore indicate that while many older adults are familiar with shingles, only a minority have consulted or intend to consult a doctor about the disease.

Encouraging Conversations About Prevention

This year’s Shingles Action Week initiatives were designed to bridge the gap between awareness and action by encouraging seniors to take the next step — speaking with healthcare professionals about their personal risk and possible preventive measures.

By bringing education, health guidance and community engagement together in accessible neighbourhood spaces, organisers hope to empower more Singaporeans to make informed decisions about protecting their health as they age.

Images: Shingles Action Week 2026