Seniors who are turning 65 in 2017, are now eligible to get the shingles vaccine free of charge, saving them approximately $170.
Seniors aged 65 to 70 can get the vaccine from their doctor or nurse practitioner, reducing the risk of developing shingles.
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, affects more than 42,000 people every year in Ontario. People with shingles often experience pain, tingling, or itching and then a painful rash. This rash can last for a month or more and is often severe enough to interfere with daily activities. For some, complications from the virus can lead to serious health problems such as loss of vision and prolonged nerve pain.
Approximately 850,000 seniors between the ages of 65 and 70 are eligible to receive the vaccine.
Around 200,000 doses of the vaccine have been distributed throughout Ontario since the program launched in September.
The vaccine is also available in participating pharmacies. Patients who choose to receive the vaccine from a pharmacist will need a prescription from their primary care provider and will have to pay the pharmacy a fee for the vaccine.
