What is SHINGRIX?

A vaccine that demonstrated over 90% effectiveness in preventing shingles in people 50 years of age and older

SHINGRIX is a vaccine that helps protect adults against shingles (also called herpes zoster).

As we age, the risk of getting shingles increases. SHINGRIX is specially designed for adults 50 years of age and older to help the body build its protection against shingles, regardless of increasing age.

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

Ask your doctor or pharmacist to find out if SHINGRIX is right for you.

What is shingles?

If you have had chickenpox, and that's over 90% of adults 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 doing 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.

What is SHINGRIX?

SHINGRIX is a two-dose vaccine for the prevention of shingles 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 involving more than 29,000 people.

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 the shingles vaccine, SHINGRIX?

As we age, the risk of getting shingles increases. That’s why SHINGRIX is a two-dose 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.

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?

SHINGRIX is not currently covered by any provincial plans, but check back here soon to find out if SHINGRIX has become covered by your province.

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.

Can SHINGRIX cause shingles?

SHINGRIX is a non-live 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.

How many doses of SHINGRIX are required to maximize protection?

SHINGRIX is a two-dose 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.

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 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 healthcare professional should you have any questions about shingles and shingles prevention.

Learn more about SHINGRIX
Take the quiz to see if you are at risk of getting shingles!
Find a clinic to get vaccinated

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