Opinion
Video
Best Practices for Educating Patients About Shingles
Author(s):
An expert discusses how to effectively engage patients in conversations about the shingles vaccine by using visual aids, clarifying misconceptions, and personalizing education based on timing and health status; they emphasize the importance of setting realistic expectations about adverse effects, identifying high-risk individuals through prescription history, and leveraging pharmacists’ regular contact with patients to drive timely, impactful vaccine recommendations.
When discussing the shingles vaccine, it’s helpful to start by gauging a patient’s existing knowledge and addressing any misconceptions they may have. Visual aids, such as photos of shingles rashes, are often more effective than verbal explanations, especially in illustrating the severity of the condition. Patients are typically more engaged when they understand that shingles is more than just a mild rash—it can lead to significant pain and long-term complications. It’s also important to ask whether a patient has time and interest in the conversation, acknowledging that clinical availability doesn’t always match a patient’s personal readiness.
Effective communication includes realistic discussions about potential adverse effects of the vaccine, such as pain or redness at the injection site. Patients often hesitate due to anecdotal stories about reactions, so setting appropriate expectations and providing simple strategies for managing mild adverse effects can help ease concerns. While the general approach is consistent for all patients over 50 years, those at higher risk may require a more assertive push toward vaccination, particularly if they have underlying conditions that could increase complication risks.
Education is most impactful when it’s personalized and timed appropriately. Rather than overwhelming patients with complex data, using clear, simple statistics (eg, 1 in 3 will develop shingles) can prompt meaningful dialogue. Identifying high-risk individuals—such as those with diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or heart disease—can be done by reviewing prescription histories. These conversations are especially timely when a new diagnosis is made or a medication change occurs. Using those moments to highlight increased risk helps connect the need for vaccination to the patient’s current health. Community pharmacists are uniquely positioned to engage patients regularly and effectively on this topic, especially when they can relate real-world experiences and tailor recommendations accordingly.
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