One in three adults will develop shingles in their lifetime. The risk climbs sharply after age 50. Shingrix, the only shingles vaccine recommended in Canada, is over 90% effective at preventing outbreaks and the chronic nerve pain that often follows. At Acme Drug Mart in West Edmonton, your pharmacist can administer Shingrix with no doctor referral required.
What is shingles?
Shingles (herpes zoster) is a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a childhood chickenpox infection, the virus lies dormant in nerve tissue near the spine. Decades later, when immune function declines due to age, stress, or illness, the virus reactivates and travels along a nerve fiber to the skin.
The result is a painful, blistering rash that typically appears in a band on one side of the torso, though it can affect the face, eyes, or other areas. The rash lasts 2 to 4 weeks, but the pain can persist for months or years as a condition called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). About 1 in 5 shingles patients develops PHN, and the risk increases with age.
Who should get Shingrix?
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends Shingrix for all adults aged 50 and older. It is also recommended for adults 18 and older who are immunocompromised due to disease or therapy (organ transplant recipients, cancer patients, those on immunosuppressive medications).
You should get Shingrix even if you:
- Had chickenpox as a child (most adults over 50 did)
- Previously received the older Zostavax vaccine (a less effective live vaccine no longer available in Canada)
- Already had a shingles outbreak (Shingrix helps prevent recurrence)
- Are not sure whether you had chickenpox (over 99% of adults born before 1980 carry the virus)
How effective is Shingrix?
Shingrix is a recombinant (non-live) vaccine given as a two-dose series. Clinical trials show:
- 97% effective at preventing shingles in adults 50 to 69
- 91% effective in adults 70 and older
- 89% effective at preventing postherpetic neuralgia
- Protection remains above 85% for at least 7 years after vaccination
By comparison, the older Zostavax vaccine was about 51% effective and its protection waned significantly after 5 years. Shingrix is a substantially better vaccine.
What does the two-dose schedule look like?
Dose one at your first visit. Dose two 2 to 6 months later. Both doses are required for full protection. If more than 6 months pass between doses you do not need to restart, but completing the series sooner provides protection sooner.
Common side effects include soreness at the injection site, fatigue, muscle pain, and headache lasting 1 to 3 days. These reactions are more common with Shingrix than with most vaccines and reflect the strong immune response the vaccine generates. They resolve on their own.
How much does Shingrix cost in Alberta?
Shingrix is not covered by Alberta Health Care for most adults. The vaccine costs approximately $150 to $170 per dose ($300 to $340 for the full two-dose series). However, most private drug plans and employee benefit programs cover Shingrix partially or fully. Check with your insurer before your first dose.
Individuals who are immunocompromised may qualify for coverage through Alberta's Immunization Program. Ask our pharmacist for details.
Can a pharmacist give the shingles vaccine in Edmonton?
Yes. Alberta pharmacists are authorized to administer vaccines, including Shingrix, without a doctor's prescription or referral. Walk in during pharmacy hours and we can administer the vaccine the same day, provided we have stock available. We recommend calling ahead to confirm availability.
Shingles vs. chickenpox vs. cold sores
All three are caused by herpes-family viruses, but they are different conditions:
- Chickenpox (varicella): the initial infection, usually in childhood. Widespread itchy rash over the entire body.
- Shingles (herpes zoster): reactivation of the same virus decades later. Painful rash confined to one nerve distribution, usually one side of the torso.
- Cold sores (herpes simplex): a different virus entirely (HSV-1). Blisters around the mouth. Not related to chickenpox or shingles.
When should you not get Shingrix?
Delay vaccination if you currently have shingles (wait until the rash resolves), have a fever or acute illness, or had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose. Pregnancy is a precaution. Shingrix is non-live, so it is safe for immunocompromised individuals, which is an advantage over the older Zostavax.
Walk in or call ahead
(780) 443-0202. Unit 103, 15508 87 Ave NW, Meadowlark Place, Edmonton. We stock Shingrix and can administer both doses during regular pharmacy hours. Bring your insurance card if you have private coverage.