Free Shingles Vaccine: Quebec Expands Eligibility to 71-74 Year Olds
- Quebec is expanding access to a vaccine that protects against shingles, a painful and potentially debilitating illness.
- This expansion builds on an existing program that already provides the vaccine at no cost to those 75 and older, as well as to individuals aged 18 and...
- Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus – the same virus that causes chickenpox.
Quebec is expanding access to a vaccine that protects against shingles, a painful and potentially debilitating illness. As of , individuals aged 71 to 74 will be eligible to receive the vaccine free of charge.
This expansion builds on an existing program that already provides the vaccine at no cost to those 75 and older, as well as to individuals aged 18 and over who are immunocompromised. Appointments can be booked through Clic Santé or by calling 1-877-644-4545, and the vaccine will be available at local service points and participating community pharmacies.
Understanding Shingles and the Vaccine
Shingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus – the same virus that causes chickenpox. After recovering from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in nerve cells. Shingles occurs when this virus reactivates later in life, causing a painful rash, typically on one side of the body. The rash often appears as blisters that eventually scab over.
The pain associated with shingles can be severe and can persist for weeks, months, or even years after the rash has healed. This long-lasting nerve pain is known as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). Other complications of shingles can include vision loss, bacterial skin infections, and, rarely, neurological problems.
The vaccine offered in Quebec is an inactivated vaccine, meaning it contains a killed virus and cannot cause shingles. It is administered in two doses, spaced approximately one year apart, and provides long-term protection – at least 10 years – against shingles and its complications. The vaccine is highly effective in preventing PHN, hospitalizations, and even death related to shingles.
Public Health Impact and Vaccination Rates
Approximately 27,000 cases of shingles are reported annually in Quebec, leading to around 600 hospitalizations and 10 deaths. Since the launch of the vaccination campaign in , over 1.25 million doses of the shingles vaccine have been administered.
The decision to expand eligibility to the 71-74 age group was based on recommendations from the Quebec Immunization Committee. Health officials believe that broadening access to the vaccine will significantly reduce the incidence of shingles and its associated complications, improving the health and well-being of Quebec residents.
Who Should Consider Vaccination?
While the expanded program specifically targets those aged 71 to 74, individuals in other eligible groups – those 75 and older and immunocompromised adults aged 18 and over – are also strongly encouraged to get vaccinated.
“I invite all those eligible for this free vaccination to take advantage of the opportunity to protect themselves,” said Quebec Health Minister Sonia Bélanger in a statement. “By expanding access to this preventative measure, we want to ensure that more Quebecers can benefit from complete protection against shingles, avoiding complications that can be very painful and disabling and, in some cases, lead to death.”
The vaccine is generally well-tolerated, with the most common side effects being pain at the injection site, redness or swelling, muscle pain, fatigue, headache, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach ache. These reactions are typically mild to moderate and resolve within a few days. Serious side effects are rare.
Protecting Yourself and Your Community
Shingles is not contagious, however, someone with shingles can spread the varicella-zoster virus to people who have never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine. These individuals can then develop chickenpox, not shingles. Vaccination against shingles not only protects the individual but also helps to prevent the spread of the virus to susceptible populations.
The expansion of the shingles vaccination program in Quebec represents a proactive step towards protecting the health of its aging population and reducing the burden of this often-debilitating disease. Eligible residents are encouraged to consult with their healthcare provider or visit Clic Santé to learn more and schedule their vaccination appointment.