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Shingles can be surprisingly painful, and the risk becomes more significant as people get older.
If you have had chickenpox in the past, the virus responsible for chickenpox can remain inactive in your body and later reactivate as shingles, also known as herpes zoster.
For adults looking for a shingles vaccine Calgary option, understanding who should consider vaccination, how Shingrix works, how many doses are needed, possible side effects, and where to get reliable vaccination advice can make the decision much easier.
The Canadian Immunization Guide currently recommends recombinant zoster vaccine, Shingrix, for adults 50 years of age and older without contraindications. It is also recommended for adults 18 years and older who are or will be immunocompromised.
Kinsol Pharmacy lists Shingles Vaccine among its immunization services, alongside influenza, COVID-19, MMR, pneumonia, meningitis, tetanus and travel vaccines.
You can explore Kinsol Pharmacy’s Services for more information about its pharmacy and immunization services.
What Is Shingles?
Shingles is a viral infection caused by reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus responsible for chickenpox.
After someone recovers from chickenpox, the virus can remain dormant in nerve tissue. Years or even decades later, it can reactivate and cause shingles.
A typical shingles outbreak can involve:
- A painful or burning sensation
- Tingling or sensitivity
- A painful rash
- Fluid-filled blisters
- Itching
- Headache
- Fever or fatigue in some people
The rash often appears on one side of the body or face.
According to the Canadian Immunization Guide, shingles occurs most frequently among older adults and people who are immunocompromised.
That is why prevention becomes particularly relevant as people age.
Why Consider a Shingles Vaccine in Calgary?
Shingles is not simply an uncomfortable skin rash.
One of its most important complications is post-herpetic neuralgia, a type of persistent nerve pain that can continue after the rash has disappeared.
The Canadian Immunization Guide identifies post-herpetic neuralgia as the most frequent complication of shingles and notes that the incidence and severity of shingles and post-herpetic neuralgia increase significantly after age 50.
Vaccination is therefore about more than avoiding a few unpleasant days.
It is about reducing the risk of shingles and its potentially long-lasting complications.
For people searching for a shingles vaccine Calgary pharmacy option, a community pharmacy can be a convenient place to discuss vaccination and determine the next appropriate step.
What Is Shingrix?
Shingrix is a recombinant zoster vaccine used to help prevent shingles and related complications.
It is currently the only herpes zoster vaccine authorized for use in Canada. The Canadian Immunization Guide notes that the older live zoster vaccine, Zostavax, was discontinued in Canada in 2023.
Health Canada’s current product information lists Shingrix as an approved non-live recombinant herpes zoster vaccine.
Because Shingrix is a non-live vaccine, it is particularly relevant when discussing vaccination with people who have certain immune-system conditions.
However, individual eligibility and suitability should always be assessed by a qualified healthcare professional.
Who Should Get the Shingles Vaccine?
Current Canadian recommendations are straightforward.
The Canadian Immunization Guide recommends a two-dose recombinant zoster vaccine series for:
- Adults 50 years of age and older
- Adults 18 years and older who are or will be immunocompromised
This recommendation applies when there are no contraindications.
The updated 2026 NACI summary specifically states that people aged 18 and older who are or will be immunocompromised should receive two doses of recombinant zoster vaccine to prevent herpes zoster and its complications.
If you fall into one of these groups, speak with your pharmacist or healthcare provider about whether Shingrix is appropriate for you.
Can You Get Shingles If You Have Already Had Chickenpox?
Yes.
In fact, previous chickenpox infection is the reason the virus can remain in the body and later reactivate.
The Canadian Immunization Guide recommends recombinant zoster vaccination for eligible adults regardless of whether they remember having chickenpox.
So saying:
“I already had chickenpox, so I don’t need the shingles vaccine.”
is not a reliable assumption.
If you are eligible, discuss vaccination with your healthcare professional.
Can You Get Shingles More Than Once?
Yes.
Having shingles once does not provide a permanent guarantee that you will never develop it again.
The Canadian Immunization Guide recommends offering a two-dose recombinant zoster vaccine series to eligible adults aged 50 and older who have previously experienced shingles, provided there are no contraindications.
This is an important point for people who assume that a previous shingles episode means vaccination is no longer relevant.
When Can You Get the Shingles Vaccine After Having Shingles?
If you have recently had shingles, timing matters.
Current Canadian guidance recommends that adults 50 years and older who have experienced shingles can receive the recombinant zoster vaccine, with immunization generally considered at least one year after the episode.
People with active shingles should not receive the shingles vaccine during the active episode.
Because individual circumstances can vary, speak with your healthcare provider before scheduling vaccination after a recent shingles infection.
How Many Shingrix Doses Do You Need?
Shingrix is administered as a two-dose series.
For most eligible adults, the second dose is given 2 to 6 months after the first dose.
For certain immunocompromised adults who may benefit from completing the series more quickly, the second dose can be given at a minimum interval of at least four weeks after the first dose.
The exact schedule should be determined by your healthcare professional.
Why Are Two Doses Important?
Receiving only one dose does not complete the recommended series.
If Shingrix has been recommended for you, plan ahead for the second appointment.
That is particularly important if you are travelling, moving, changing healthcare providers, or managing multiple medical appointments.
How Effective Is Shingrix?
Shingrix has demonstrated strong protection against shingles.
The Canadian Immunization Guide reports that recombinant zoster vaccine efficacy remains above 90% in all age groups during the first four years following immunization, with protection remaining above 70% up to 10 years in available evidence.
However, no vaccine provides absolute protection.
The goal is to significantly reduce the risk of shingles and its complications, not to create a fictional force field around your immune system.
Can Shingrix Reduce the Risk of Post-Herpetic Neuralgia?
Yes.
Post-herpetic neuralgia is one of the most significant complications associated with shingles.
It involves persistent nerve pain that can continue after the visible rash has resolved.
The Canadian Immunization Guide states that recombinant zoster vaccination reduces the incidence of both herpes zoster and post-herpetic neuralgia.
This is one reason shingles prevention becomes increasingly important with age.
What Are Common Shingrix Side Effects?
Shingrix can cause temporary reactions after vaccination.
Common reactions may include:
- Pain at the injection site
- Redness
- Swelling
- Fatigue
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Chills
- Fever
These reactions are generally temporary.
Shingrix is known to be more reactogenic than the older live zoster vaccine, meaning short-term reactions can be more noticeable.
If you develop a severe or concerning reaction after vaccination, seek appropriate medical advice.
Does Shingrix Cause Shingles?
No.
Shingrix is a non-live recombinant vaccine. It does not contain live virus capable of causing shingles. Health Canada’s product information identifies Shingrix as a non-live recombinant herpes zoster vaccine.
You may experience temporary immune-system reactions after vaccination, but these are not the same thing as developing shingles.
Can Immunocompromised Adults Get Shingrix?
Yes.
This is an important area where current recommendations have evolved.
NACI’s updated guidance strongly recommends two doses of recombinant zoster vaccine for adults 18 years and older who are or will be immunocompromised.
The risk of shingles in younger immunocompromised adults can be comparable to or higher than the risk in the general population aged 50 and older.
If you are immunocompromised because of a medical condition or treatment, vaccination timing should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
What If You Are Taking Immunosuppressive Medication?
Timing can matter.
For some immunocompromised people, vaccination may be planned around immunosuppressive therapy.
The Canadian Immunization Guide notes that, where possible, the two-dose series should ideally be completed at least 14 days before the start of immunosuppressive therapy for optimal immune response.
However, this is not something to manage yourself.
Your healthcare team should determine the appropriate timing based on your treatment and health status.
Is the Shingles Vaccine Free in Alberta?
This is where people should avoid assuming that every recommended vaccine is publicly funded.
The current Government of Canada provincial vaccination-program table lists the shingles vaccine as not publicly funded in Alberta under the routine program for healthy, previously immunized adults.
That means eligible individuals may need to pay for the vaccine unless they have applicable private insurance coverage or qualify under a specific program.
Before vaccination, ask about:
- Vaccine price
- Administration fees
- Insurance coverage
- Number of doses
- Total expected cost
Costs can change, so confirm the current price directly with the pharmacy or insurer rather than relying on an old blog post.
Does Private Insurance Cover Shingrix?
Coverage depends on the individual insurance plan.
Some private health plans may provide coverage for certain vaccines, while others may not.
If you have extended health benefits, check your plan before purchasing the vaccine.
Ask your insurer whether it covers:
- Shingrix
- Vaccine administration
- Both doses
- Prescription or pharmacy claims
This can prevent an unpleasant surprise at the pharmacy counter.
Can You Get Shingrix at a Calgary Pharmacy?
Vaccination services vary by pharmacy, pharmacist authorization, eligibility, appointment availability and current provincial requirements.
Kinsol Pharmacy lists Shingles Vaccine among its immunization services.
If you are searching for a shingles vaccine Calgary option, you can contact Kinsol Pharmacy to confirm current vaccine availability, eligibility, appointment requirements and pricing.
You can also review Kinsol Pharmacy’s Services to explore its vaccination and pharmacy services.
What Should You Tell Your Pharmacist Before Getting Shingrix?
Before receiving Shingrix, provide your pharmacist or healthcare professional with relevant information about your health.
This can include:
- Your age
- Previous shingles infection
- Previous shingles vaccination
- Previous vaccine reactions
- Allergies
- Current medications
- Immune-system conditions
- Immunosuppressive treatment
- Pregnancy or plans for pregnancy
- Other relevant health conditions
Your vaccination history is particularly useful if you have previously received another zoster vaccine.
The Canadian Immunization Guide specifically addresses vaccination following previous zoster vaccination and previous shingles infection.
Can You Get Shingrix If You Previously Received Zostavax?
Yes, eligible adults who previously received the older live zoster vaccine can still be offered the recombinant zoster vaccine.
The Canadian Immunization Guide recommends a two-dose RZV series for adults aged 50 and older who previously received the live zoster vaccine, with re-immunization generally considered at least one year after the previous vaccine.
Since Zostavax was discontinued in Canada in 2023, Shingrix is now the relevant recombinant zoster vaccine for current vaccination planning.
What Happens During a Shingles Vaccine Appointment?
A typical vaccination consultation is straightforward.
Your pharmacist may:
- Review your eligibility.
- Ask about your vaccination history.
- Check for contraindications or relevant health conditions.
- Explain the vaccine and expected reactions.
- Administer the vaccine.
- Provide information about the second dose.
- Advise you about what to do if you experience concerning symptoms.
If you are receiving the first dose, remember to keep track of the second-dose timing.
A two-dose vaccine series is only useful when you actually complete the series.
How Should You Prepare for Your Shingles Vaccine?
You generally do not need complicated preparation.
Before your appointment:
- Bring relevant vaccination records if available.
- Tell the pharmacist about previous vaccine reactions.
- Mention current medications.
- Tell them if you are immunocompromised.
- Ask about private insurance coverage.
- Confirm the cost if the vaccine is not publicly funded.
- Ask when your second dose should be scheduled.
If you have questions about whether Shingrix is appropriate for you, ask before vaccination.
What Should You Do After the Vaccine?
Most people can return to normal activities after vaccination.
You may experience temporary soreness, fatigue, headache, muscle pain or other short-term reactions.
It can be sensible to avoid scheduling the vaccination immediately before an important event if you know you tend to experience noticeable vaccine reactions.
If you develop a severe reaction or symptoms that concern you, seek medical advice.
Can Shingrix Be Given With Other Vaccines?
Vaccination schedules can sometimes include multiple vaccines.
Whether vaccines can be given during the same appointment depends on the vaccines involved and your individual circumstances.
If you are due for influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, tetanus or another vaccine, tell your pharmacist.
Kinsol Pharmacy lists several immunization services in addition to shingles vaccination, including Flu Vaccine and other immunization services.
Your pharmacist can advise you on appropriate timing.
Shingles Vaccine vs. Shingles Treatment
Vaccination and treatment serve different purposes.
The shingles vaccine is intended to reduce the risk of developing shingles.
It is not a treatment for an active shingles outbreak.
If you currently have:
- A painful rash
- Burning or tingling skin
- Fluid-filled blisters
- Severe nerve pain
- A rash around the eye
- Facial symptoms
seek medical attention promptly.
Shingles involving the eye can be particularly serious and requires timely medical assessment.
Can You Get Shingles After Vaccination?
Vaccination substantially reduces the risk of shingles, but no vaccine guarantees complete prevention.
The Canadian Immunization Guide reports high and sustained effectiveness of recombinant zoster vaccine against herpes zoster.
If a vaccinated person nevertheless develops shingles, medical assessment is still important, particularly if symptoms involve the face or eye.
Why Does Shingles Risk Increase With Age?
The immune system changes as people age.
At the same time, the risk of herpes zoster and post-herpetic neuralgia increases significantly after age 50.
The Canadian Immunization Guide identifies older age and immunocompromised status as important risk factors for shingles.
This explains why shingles vaccination recommendations focus strongly on adults aged 50 and older.
Why Consider Shingles Vaccination Before You Need It?
Vaccination is preventive.
Waiting until you develop shingles defeats the basic purpose of prevention.
For eligible adults, discussing vaccination before an outbreak occurs can help reduce the likelihood of developing shingles and its complications.
If you are 50 or older and have never discussed shingles vaccination with your healthcare provider, it may be worth asking about.
Why Choose Kinsol Pharmacy for Vaccination Services?
Kinsol Pharmacy provides several vaccination and immunization services.
Its current services include:
- Shingles vaccine
- Flu vaccine
- COVID vaccines
- MMR vaccine
- Pneumonia vaccine
- Meningitis vaccine
- Tetanus vaccine
- Travel vaccines
You can review Kinsol Pharmacy’s vaccination and pharmacy services for current information.
For Calgary residents, Kinsol Pharmacy has locations including:
Bridgeland
803 1 Ave NE
Calgary, AB T2E 7C5
Sage Hill
80 Sage Hill Rd NW Unit 110
Calgary, AB T3R 0S4
Before visiting, confirm current availability, pricing and appointment requirements directly with the pharmacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the shingles vaccine called?
The recombinant zoster vaccine used in Canada is called Shingrix. Health Canada currently lists Shingrix as an approved non-live recombinant herpes zoster vaccine.
Who should get the shingles vaccine?
Canadian recommendations include adults aged 50 and older without contraindications, as well as adults 18 and older who are or will be immunocompromised.
How many doses of Shingrix are needed?
Most eligible adults need two doses, with the second dose given 2 to 6 months after the first. Certain immunocompromised adults may use a shorter interval.
Can I get Shingrix if I already had shingles?
Yes. Eligible adults aged 50 and older who have previously had shingles should still be offered the two-dose recombinant zoster vaccine series. Vaccination is generally considered at least one year after the shingles episode.
Is Shingrix free in Alberta?
The current federal provincial-program table lists herpes zoster vaccination as not publicly funded under Alberta’s routine program for healthy, previously immunized adults.
Private insurance may provide coverage depending on the plan.
Can younger adults get the shingles vaccine?
Adults aged 18 and older who are or will be immunocompromised are included in current Canadian recommendations.
Can Shingrix cause shingles?
No. Shingrix is a non-live recombinant vaccine and cannot cause shingles.
What are common Shingrix side effects?
Common reactions can include injection-site pain, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, chills, fever, redness and swelling. Short-term reactions can be more noticeable with Shingrix than with some older zoster vaccines.
Can I get Shingrix after Zostavax?
Yes. Eligible adults who previously received the live zoster vaccine can be offered the recombinant zoster vaccine, generally with at least a one-year interval.
Can I get the shingles vaccine at a Calgary pharmacy?
Kinsol Pharmacy lists Shingles Vaccine among its immunization services. Contact the pharmacy to confirm current availability, eligibility, pricing and appointment requirements.
Take Action Before Shingles Does
Shingles is not something you need to wait for before taking seriously.
For adults 50 and older, and for certain immunocompromised adults 18 and older, Canadian recommendations support recombinant zoster vaccination with Shingrix.
If you are searching for a shingles vaccine Calgary option, start by discussing your eligibility, vaccine history, health conditions and insurance coverage with a qualified pharmacist or healthcare provider.
Kinsol Pharmacy offers shingles vaccination alongside several other immunization services in Calgary.
For more information, visit Kinsol Pharmacy’s Services page.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes only and does not replace individualized medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Vaccine recommendations, eligibility, availability and funding can change. Speak with a qualified healthcare professional or pharmacist for advice based on your individual health circumstances.
