GSK and Brooke Shields Unite To Alert Adults 50+ About Shingles Risk

GSK plc has teamed up with Brooke Shields for its THRIVE@50+ initiative, aimed at empowering individuals over 50 to embrace their age while prioritizing their health. The campaign encourages this age group to speak with their healthcare providers about shingles risks and vaccination options. At 59, Shields embodies the spirit of thriving at any age.

A well-known actress, model, and entrepreneur, Shields is now channeling her influence into health advocacy. Like many in her generation, she’s discovered the importance of safeguarding her health as she ages, especially from conditions like shingles, which affects 99% of people over 50, though not all will develop it.

As part of her collaboration with GSK's THRIVE@50+ campaign, Brooke Shields took on the role of director and producer, creating videos that spotlight influential women thriving in their 50s and beyond. These women include football mom Donna Kelce, actress Gina Torres, reality TV star Susan Noles, and former shingles patients, each sharing their personal stories and celebrating the confidence that comes with age.

Pamela Hanson, a world-renowned fashion and lifestyle photographer, captured this empowering journey through her signature portrait style. With the THRIVE@50+ campaign, GSK aims to spark a cultural shift towards healthy aging, fueled by authentic, relatable experiences that resonate within the community.

Brooke Shields stated, “For so long, we’ve been conditioned to fear aging, but the reality is that age is power. As I’ve gotten older, my life experiences have really solidified who I am and what I stand for, and when I talked to other women who were a part of this campaign, it’s clear that I’m not the only one who feels this way. The unfair twist is that just as we’ve reached this time of our lives where we feel like the best version of ourselves, we’re also experiencing new health risks. When I learned that people over 50 are at an increased risk for shingles, I couldn’t help myself from starting the conversation. This matters because our power is worth protecting.”

Leah Smith, PharmD, GSK medical educator, said in a statement, “Shingles can be an isolating experience that can also really take a toll on one’s quality of life. And it’s not as uncommon as you might think — every year, there are about one million cases of shingles in the US alone. Age is the most important risk factor for shingles, so anyone over 50 should consider asking their doctor or pharmacist about shingles and about vaccination.”