It is estimated that 130,000 Canadians are affected by shingles each year, and in Quebec alone, more than 27,000 medical consultations were caused by shingles in 2015

How does shingles manifest

Shingles usually manifests as a rash with painful vesicles on the chest, abdomen or face. The pain is often described as dull pain, a burning sensation, stabbing or electric shock. The rash is sometimes followed by Postzoster Neuralgia (NPZ), pain that can last for months or years [i]. Older adults and those whose health conditions weaken the immune system are more likely to develop shingles.

• According to a recent report published by the Quebec Committee on Immunization, shingles generates an average annual cost of $ 25 million for the Quebec healthcare system and is responsible for nearly 600 hospitalizations and 10 deaths each year.
• People with shingles reported losing an average of 9.1 days from work due to illness.

According to polls

As part of a recent survey conducted by Léger on behalf of GSK to assess the knowledge of Quebecers about shingles and its repercussions, some statistics were released:

• Over half of the respondents (52%) have contracted shingles or know someone who has it.
• 78% of people with shingles reported that the disease had seriously affected their quality of life.
• 85% of respondents know that vaccines exist to prevent shingles.
  60% of Quebecers recognize the importance of immunization against shingles, but 30% believe that they are not at risk of contracting the disease.