Active Retirement Ireland members, led by Gerri Gavin of Knocknacarra ARA, took to the streets of Galway on 28 May to call for publicly funded shingles vaccination for older people and those who are immunocompromised.
The community awareness walk, organised in support of Active Retirement Ireland’s national shingles vaccination campaign, saw participants gather at the Claddagh Hall before walking to the Circle of Life Garden in Salthill and back. Along the route, members carried campaign placards and engaged with members of the public about the importance of prevention and equitable access to healthcare.
The walk was organised by Gerri Gavin and members of Knocknacarra ARA, who have been at the forefront of local efforts to support Active Retirement Ireland’s campaign for publicly funded shingles vaccination. Inspired by the experiences of those affected by shingles, Gerri has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of the issue and encourage public support for the campaign.
The event attracted significant media attention and was featured by TG4 Nuacht, Galway Bay FM and the Galway Advertiser, helping to bring the campaign’s message to a wider audience. Coverage focused on the growing concern that a vaccine recommended for older adults remains available only on a private basis in Ireland, at a cost that is beyond the reach of many people living on fixed incomes.
Speaking at the march, Active Retirement Ireland Head of Policy & Advocacy Alison Bough said:
“This walk showed exactly what Active Retirement Ireland is all about: members coming together to make their voices heard. What started as a member-led motion at our AGM has grown into a national campaign with support from more than 25,000 people. The turnout in Galway demonstrates that older people are not prepared to stay silent when it comes to issues that affect their health, wellbeing and independence.”
Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus and can result in severe pain, long-term nerve pain known as post-herpetic neuralgia, and other serious complications. The National Immunisation Advisory Committee recommends shingles vaccination for adults aged 65 and over, as well as for certain immunocompromised groups. However, despite these recommendations, the vaccine is not currently available through a publicly funded programme in Ireland and typically costs almost €500 when purchased privately.
For many older people living on fixed incomes, this cost places prevention out of reach. Active Retirement Ireland has consistently argued that access to recommended preventative healthcare should not depend on an individual’s ability to pay. The organisation has highlighted the fact that many comparable countries already provide publicly funded shingles vaccination for older adults, while older people in Ireland are still required to self-fund the vaccine.
The Galway walk is the latest milestone in a campaign that has gathered significant momentum over the past year. Following a motion adopted at Active Retirement Ireland’s National AGM in 2025, publicly funded shingles vaccination became a key advocacy priority for the organisation. Since then, the campaign has included meetings with elected representatives, a Seanad motion, an appearance before the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health, extensive national and local media engagement, and a public petition that has now attracted more than 25,000 signatures.
The success of the Galway event demonstrates the strength of grassroots advocacy within Active Retirement Ireland. What began as a member-led campaign has grown into a national movement, supported by thousands of people who believe that older people should have fair and equitable access to preventative healthcare.
Active Retirement Ireland would like to thank Gerri Gavin, Knocknacarra ARA and everyone who participated in and supported the walk. Their commitment, leadership and determination continue to strengthen the campaign and help ensure that older people’s voices are heard in the ongoing call for publicly funded shingles vaccination.