Shingles Awareness Week is February 24-March 2 – and a key time in the Canadian Association of Retired Persons’ calendar to remind our members about the importance of getting their shingles vaccine.

 

Each year, over 90,000 Canadians aged 50 and older develop shingles, a painful condition that can lead to lasting complications, including chronic nerve pain and vision loss. Despite the availability of an effective vaccine, only 39% of eligible Canadians have received at least one dose, leaving thousands unnecessarily vulnerable to this preventable disease (and costing the health care system $68 million yearly).

 

The Shingrix vaccine, recommended by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), offers strong protection against shingles and its complications, yet cost remains a significant barrier for many older adults. While some provinces and territories cover the cost for certain populations, access remains inconsistent across Canada.

 

Expanding public coverage for the shingles vaccine is a critical step toward ensuring that all older adults can benefit from this highly effective vaccine.