Newfoundland and Labrador to Offer Shingles Vaccine for Seniors

Image Credit, Claudia Peters

ST. JOHN’S – Seniors in Newfoundland and Labrador will soon have access to a free shingles vaccine as part of the province’s expanded immunization program. Beginning June 1, 2025, residents aged 65 to 70 and immunocompromised individuals over 70 will be eligible to receive the vaccine at no cost. The initiative, announced in Budget 2025, aims to reduce shingles cases, improve seniors’ quality of life, and ease strain on the healthcare system.

The Honourable John Haggie, Acting Minister of Health and Community Services, emphasized shingles as a painful and potentially debilitating condition. “By making the vaccine available through the program, we can help seniors and immunocompromised residents reduce the risk of getting shingles, ensure they have a better quality of life, and eliminate the need for other pain management treatments,” Haggie said.

Shingles, caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, can lead to postherpetic neuralgia, a condition that results in prolonged nerve pain. While antiviral treatments offer relief when administered early, vaccination remains the best prevention.

The program aligns with recommendations from Health Accord NL, which supports expanded vaccine access for aging populations. It builds on the province’s Seniors’ Health and Well-Being Plan, which already provides enhanced flu vaccines for those 65 and older. Officials hope the initiative will prevent complications, reduce hospital visits, and support healthier aging.