Increase in Shingles Vaccination Rates During COVID-19 Pandemic Highlights Persistent Gaps Among Underserved Populations

During the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccination rates for shingles among adults aged 50 and older in the United States saw a notable overall increase. A recent study published in the journal Vaccine analyzed data from nearly 80,000 adults collected by the CDC between 2018 and 2022. The findings revealed that the percentage of vaccinated individuals rose from 25.1% in 2018–2019 to 30.1% during 2020–2022, reflecting a positive trend in shingles immunization.

The study highlighted that the most significant relative growth occurred within groups that previously exhibited lower vaccination rates. These groups included adults aged 50-64, men, racial and ethnic minorities such as non-Hispanic Black adults, individuals with lower household income, current smokers, and those without chronic illnesses like cancer or arthritis.

Shingles, caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus—the same virus responsible for chickenpox—can lead to severe complications including nerve pain, vision loss, and neurological issues. Vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure, yet uptake has historically been low, partly due to lack of awareness, cost barriers, and missed opportunities during healthcare visits.

The pandemic, despite its challenges, may have inadvertently improved vaccination rates by increasing public awareness about health importance, expanding access through pharmacies and clinics, and during COVID-19 vaccination campaigns. Notably, the shift from the older, less effective Zostavax vaccine to the newer Shingrix vaccine, which offers better protection, along with targeted public health initiatives, contributed to these gains.

Despite these improvements, disparities remain. Underserved populations—particularly racial minorities, lower-income groups, and those with limited healthcare access—continue to lag behind wealthier, non-Hispanic white populations. Overall vaccination rates still fall short compared to other vaccines such as the flu shot. This highlights ongoing health inequities and emphasizes the need for tailored outreach, policies, and community engagement to bridge these gaps.

Several questions for future research remain. It is unclear whether individuals received both doses of the Shingrix vaccine, whether vaccination occurred alongside COVID-19 shots, or how immunocompromised individuals fared during this period. Addressing these gaps can inform more effective strategies to encourage eligible populations to get vaccinated and protect against shingles.

As public health efforts continue, enhancing equitable access and awareness is key to increasing vaccination rates further and reducing the burden of shingles, especially among vulnerable groups.