# Curative Storytelling Campaigns This Merck Ad Spot is an Emotional Look at Life with Shingles By Rebecca Byers | Published 2015-12-02 | Marketing Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/merck-ad References: [ispot](http://www.ispot.tv/ad/7CpH/merck-football-legend-featuring-terry-bradshaw) & [youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSI2AZQmEsU) This Merck ad starring [football legend Terry Bradshaw](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/7-stages-of-defeat) explores the former player's personal experience with shingles and the painful symptoms associated with it. Comparing it to some of the biggest hits he took on the field, Bradshaw describes the unrivaled pain he experienced with his shingles symptoms. The [emotional and intimate commercial](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/in-their-own-words) is one part of a larger campaign from Merck, which aims to educate consumers on the health risks associated with shingles, as well as identifying the likelihood that one will develop it. The shingles Merck ad campaign is a clever way for the brand to generate interest around its shingles vaccine, which is achieved through the emotional retelling of Bradshaw's experience. Notably, Merck is the first and only shingles vaccine approved by the [FDA](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/consumer-education-campaign). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.5/10 - Popularity: 6% | Activity: 31% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing) > [Branding](https://www.trendhunter.com/branding) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Emotional Health Advertising:** Campaigns that focus on emotional storytelling to raise awareness on health issues can create an engaging and meaningful connection with consumers. - **Personalized Healthcare Outreach:** Marketing campaigns that personalize the health journey of a prominent figure, can appeal to specific audiences and their unique needs. - **Lifestyle Illness Prevention:** Campaigns that raise awareness on the likelihood of developing particular illnesses based on lifestyle choices can incite proactive prevention and management of those issues. ### Where This Applies - **Pharmaceuticals:** The development and promotion of new and innovative vaccines can disrupt the market and improve public health. - **Advertising:** The use of powerful storytelling techniques to promote health products can create more effective and memorable advertising campaigns. - **Healthcare:** Personalized marketing strategies based on individual health needs can enhance healthcare outreach and accessibility. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Erectile Dysfunction Medication Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/erectile-dysfunction-medication.md) - [Tongue-in-Cheek Skincare Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cerva.md) - [Sensitivity Marketing Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/were-all-a-lil-sensitive.md) - [Nostalgic Skincare Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neutrogena-remembers.md) - [Emotional Short Films](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/johnson-johnson.md) - [Sunscreen Rom-Com Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-one-under-the-sun.md) - [Pharmaceutical Consumer Education Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/consumer-education-campaign.md) - [Educational Cold Medication Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mucinex-flip-the-script.md) - [Heartfelt Beverage Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/a-real-boost.md)