Vaccine Brand: Shingrix®
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is caused by the varicella virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Shingles occurs when the chickenpox virus reactivates in our body. Our immune system naturally gets weaker as we get older, if we are on certain medications or under a lot of stress. The virus can become active, causing shingles. An estimated one in three people will get shingles in their lifetime.
Shingles occurs most often among older adults and those with a weakened immune system. Symptoms include headache, fever and a painful rash that usually occurs on one side of the body such as the face, neck or chest. The rash forms blisters (fluid-filled bumps) that form a crust and usually clears up within two to four weeks. About one in five people who get shingles may have severe pain that lasts months to years after the rash has cleared, a condition known as post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). As individuals get older, they are more likely to get PHN, and the pain tends to be more intense. The Shingrix® vaccine can reduce your risk of getting shingles and the long-term pain caused by PHN.
Shingrix® is the vaccine for shingles that is approved by Health Canada and used in Ontario. Under Ontario’s Publicly Funded Immunization Schedule, this vaccine is free through primary health care providers for seniors ages 65 to 70 years old who have not previously received a shingles vaccine.
Shingrix® is given as a series of two doses, two to six months apart.
Anyone who is not eligible to get the vaccine for free can purchase it privately. It can cost about $150 per dose. Some health insurance plans may cover the cost of the vaccine. Check with your provider to learn about your coverage options.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends two doses of Shingrix® for anyone ages 50 years and older who does not have allergies to any ingredients in the vaccine. In Ontario, only adults aged 65 to 70 years old are eligible for free, publicly funded vaccine.
NACI also recommends individuals who are 18 years and older who have or will have a weakened immune system from diseases or treatments receive two doses of Shringrix®. These individuals will have a higher risk of shingles because they have a weakened immune system. As a precaution, immunocompromised pregnant individuals should ideally be vaccinated before pregnancy or get vaccinated after pregnancy. Shingrix® vaccine can be used in individuals who are breastfeeding.
Shingrix® vaccine may be given at the same time with other vaccines.
Getting vaccinated with Shingrix® is the best way to protect against shingles PHN and shingles-related hospitalizations in immunocompromised individuals. The vaccine has been shown to reduce the risk of getting shingles by more than 90 per cent and the risk of PHN by 88 to 91 per cent.
The vaccine is generally well tolerated. Common reactions to the vaccine include headache as well as soreness, redness and swelling where the vaccine was given. Other reactions that may occur after getting the vaccine include fever, muscle soreness, fatigue, shivering, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea and/or stomach pain. These side effects are typically mild to moderate and do not last longer than three days on average.
The vaccine is safe and very rarely is an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) reported. If you have symptoms such as hives, wheezy breathing, swelling around the mouth or throat, very pale colour and serious drowsiness, high fever (over 40°C), convulsions or seizures, or other serious symptoms (e.g., “pins and needles” or numbness) seek immediate medical care within three days of receiving the vaccine. It is important to always report serious or unexpected reactions to your health care provider.
Talk to your health care provider or contact Health811 to connect to a registered nurse day or night for free, secure and confidential health advice. You can also call Toronto Public Health at 416-336-7600.