Dose reminder

What is shingles?

If you have had chickenpox, and that’s over 90% of adults over 50 years old in Canada, you’re at risk for shingles.

Shingles is a serious disease that commonly results in a very painful, blistering rash. It usually occurs in one part of the body and can last for several weeks. The pain can be severe, disabling, and interfere with normal day-to day activities.

Is the virus that causes chickenpox the same one that causes shingles?

Yes, chickenpox and shingles are both the result of the same virus called varicella zoster.

If you are like 90% of Canadians who have had chickenpox, your immune system may have been able to keep the virus under control. As we age our immune system naturally weakens, meaning the older you are the more likely it is that the shingles virus will reactivate.

What are some symptoms of shingles?

Shingles can result in a painful and blistering rash that can last several weeks. Other symptoms may include fever, headaches, vision problems, loss of hearing, sensitivity to touch, numbness and tingling.

These symptoms can lead to serious complications such as long-lasting nerve pain, which can last for months or years. The pain from shingles can be so intense that even walking, sleeping and social activities may become difficult.

Are there early signs of shingles?

Shingles is recognizable by the way it looks and feels on your body. Early signs of shingles may include:

• Itching
• Burning
• Tingling with pain in the area where the rash will develop

You could feel some of these symptoms anywhere from one to five days before the rash even appears.

How common is shingles?

It is estimated that 1 in 3 people will develop shingles at some point in their lives.

Can shingles come back more than once?

Unfortunately, having shingles doesn’t prevent you from having shingles again. Shingles is a reactivation of the chickenpox virus, which may occur more than once.

What is SHINGRIX?

SHINGRIX is a two-dose shingles vaccine that has been available across Canada since the beginning of 2018.

SHINGRIX was shown to be over 90% effective at preventing shingles for people 50 years of age and older in clinical trials.

How effective is SHINGRIX?

In clinical studies, SHINGRIX was demonstrated to be more than 90% effective in preventing shingles in people who are 50 years of age and older, including those over the age of 70. SHINGRIX maintained protection for four years. The duration of protection beyond four years is still under investigation.

How long does SHINGRIX, a shingles vaccine, last?

Clinical trials demonstrated that SHINGRIX maintained protection for four years after the second dose. The duration of protection beyond four years is currently under investigation. As with all vaccines, SHINGRIX may not fully protect all people who are vaccinated.

Will SHINGRIX protect against chickenpox?

Though both shingles and chickenpox are a result of the varicella zoster virus, SHINGRIX is not for prevention of chickenpox.

Who should consider getting the shingles vaccine, SHINGRIX?

As we age, the risk of getting shingles increases. That’s why SHINGRIX is a two-dose shingles vaccine specifically designed for adults 50 years of age and older. SHINGRIX helps the body build its protection against shingles, regardless of increasing age. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends SHINGRIX for adults 50 years of age and older. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if SHINGRIX is right for you.

How many doses of SHINGRIX are required to maximize protection?

SHINGRIX is a two-dose shingles vaccine, with a gap of 2 to 6 months between doses. The first dose can be given from the age of 50. When you get your first dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist to schedule your next one in order to make sure you receive both doses of SHINGRIX. This will maximize the protection offered by SHINGRIX.

What are SHINGRIX side effects?

Very common adverse events (>10% of doses) reported in clinical trials were pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site, headache, stomach and digestive complaints, muscle pain, tiredness, chills, and fever. Most side effects were mild or moderate, lasting less than 3 days. Please speak to your doctor or pharmacist should you have any questions about shingles and shingles prevention.

Can SHINGRIX cause shingles?

SHINGRIX is a non-live shingles vaccine, which means there are no live components of the virus within the vaccine formulation. Therefore, it’s not possible to contract shingles from SHINGRIX.

Where can I get SHINGRIX?

SHINGRIX is a shingles vaccine that has been available across Canada since the beginning of 2018. To find a clinic near you that stocks SHINGRIX, please visit SHINGRIX.ca and use our clinic finder tool at the bottom of the page, or ask your doctor or pharmacist.

What is the cost of SHINGRIX?

The cost of SHINGRIX varies by pharmacy. Please check with your local pharmacy for pricing. Some private insurers may cover all or part of the cost of SHINGRIX. Please contact your private insurer for more information on your coverage.

Is the cost of SHINGRIX covered in my province?

Provincial ministries of health are responsible for making decisions about the implementation and funding of public immunization programs. Please contact the Ministry of Health in your province directly for information.

Note: The following are the public health funding available in Canada as of April 26, 2021.

Do I need a prescription to get SHINGRIX?

In most but not all provinces, you will need a prescription to receive SHINGRIX. Depending on the province you live in, you can receive SHINGRIX from a doctor, or another healthcare professional such as a pharmacist or nurse. Speak to a healthcare professional in your province to learn more.