Quebec residents aged 71 to 74 are now eligible for free shingles vaccinations, expanding access to a preventative measure against a painful and potentially debilitating illness. As of February 1st, 2026, individuals in this age group can book appointments through Clic Santé or by calling 1-877-644-4545. This expansion of the program aims to reduce the incidence of shingles and its complications, building on existing free vaccination programs for those 75 and older and individuals with compromised immune systems.
Shingles, or herpes zoster, is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus – the same virus that causes chickenpox. While anyone who has had chickenpox can develop shingles, the risk increases with age, particularly after age 50. The condition manifests as a painful rash, typically on one side of the body, and can lead to long-term nerve pain known as postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). The vaccine offers a highly effective means of preventing both the initial outbreak and the chronic pain that can follow. According to health officials, the vaccine is effective at preventing shingles in all age groups, providing protection for at least ten years.
Expanding Access to Shingles Protection
The decision to broaden the free vaccination program comes as Quebec health authorities seek to proactively address the burden of shingles on the healthcare system. Approximately 27,000 cases of shingles are reported annually in the province, resulting in around 600 hospitalizations and, tragically, 10 deaths. The expansion to include those aged 71 to 74 is expected to significantly reduce these numbers. “I invite all eligible individuals to take advantage of this free vaccination to protect themselves,” said Sonia Bélanger, the minister responsible for the Laurentides region, 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 will be administered in two doses, spaced between two and twelve months apart, at local service points (PSL) and participating community pharmacies. For those aged 50 to 70, the vaccine remains available, though at a cost of approximately $200 per injection. This vaccine can be obtained without a prescription and administered by an accredited nurse or pharmacist.
Understanding the Shingles Vaccine
The shingles vaccine used in Quebec is an inactivated vaccine, meaning it contains a killed version of the virus and cannot cause shingles. It works by boosting the immune system’s ability to fight off the varicella-zoster virus, preventing reactivation and subsequent outbreaks. Recent reports indicate that over 1.25 million doses of the shingles vaccine have been administered in the province since the campaign launched in May 2023.
The most common side effects of the vaccine are mild and temporary, including pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site, as well as fatigue, headache, and muscle aches. The only known contraindication to receiving the vaccine is having an active shingles outbreak.
Protecting Against Long-Term Complications
One of the most significant concerns surrounding shingles is the potential for postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). This condition involves persistent nerve pain in the area where the shingles rash occurred, lasting for months or even years after the rash has healed. The vaccine is highly effective in preventing PHN, offering substantial relief to those at risk. Beyond pain, shingles can as well lead to other complications, including vision loss, hearing problems, and, in rare cases, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
Health officials emphasize the importance of vaccination as the most effective way to protect against these complications. While antiviral medications can be used to treat shingles outbreaks, they are most effective when started within 72 hours of the rash appearing. Vaccination provides proactive, long-term protection, reducing the likelihood of experiencing shingles and its associated health risks.
The expanded vaccination program represents a significant step forward in public health efforts to combat shingles in Quebec. By making the vaccine more accessible to a wider range of individuals, authorities aim to improve the health and well-being of the population and reduce the burden of this often-debilitating disease.
The next update regarding the program’s impact and potential further expansions is expected in the fall of 2026, following a review of vaccination rates and reported shingles cases. Individuals with questions about their eligibility or the vaccine are encouraged to consult with their healthcare provider or visit the Clic Santé website for more information.
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