Shingles is a viral infection wished on no one. In Ontario, the double dose vaccine is available is free for certain ages.
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- Shingles: A painful skin rash with blisters caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox1. It usually affects one side of the body and can lead to vision loss or nerve pain.
- Shingles prevalence and risk factors: One in three Canadians will get shingles in their lifetime, mostly after age 50. Anyone who has not had the chickenpox vaccine or had chickenpox as a child can get shingles.
- Shingles impact and prevention: Shingles can cause long-lasting pain, insomnia and central nervous system problems3. The newer shingles vaccine (Shingrix) is 90% effective and recommended for older people.
- CARP’s advocacy for shingles vaccine: CARP is a national organization that advocates for seniors’ rights and well-being. CARP has been pushing provincial governments to fully fund and make accessible the newer shingles vaccine for seniors. CARP is glad that Ontario has made the vaccine available for seniors 65-70 years old, but will continue to demand the same for other provinces.
