Shingles Vaccine in Calgary — Are You at Risk?
A few factors raise the chance of developing shingles. Review them below to see what applies to you, then learn about the vaccine that is over 90% effective at preventing it. This is general information, not a personal risk assessment — our pharmacist can talk through your own situation.
Factors that raise shingles risk
Age
Shingles risk rises with age — and roughly doubles every decade after 50. Shingrix is recommended for adults 50 and older.
A history of chickenpox
99% of Canadians born before 1995 carry the varicella-zoster virus — even if they do not remember having chickenpox. Anyone who carries it can develop shingles.
A weakened immune system
Cancer, HIV, autoimmune disease, organ transplant, or immunosuppressive drugs (such as prednisone, methotrexate, or biologics) raise the risk.
High stress or recent illness
Physical or emotional stress can weaken immune response and is a known shingles trigger.
A previous case of shingles
Shingles can recur. Having had it once is actually a reason to get vaccinated — to help prevent a second episode.
🛡️ About Shingrix
- • Effectiveness: over 90% at preventing shingles
- • Schedule: 2 doses, 2–6 months apart
- • Recommended for: adults 50+ and immunocompromised adults 18+
- • Duration: protection lasts 7+ years and counting
💰 Cost & coverage
- • Cost: about $150–200 per dose (2 doses needed)
- • Alberta Health: not currently covered
- • Private insurance: many plans cover Shingrix — bring your benefits card
- • Available at Imagine Health Pharmacy — no referral needed
⚡ What shingles actually does
- • Burning, stabbing nerve pain for 2–4 weeks (sometimes longer)
- • A blistering rash on one side of the body or face
- • Postherpetic neuralgia: lasting nerve pain in 10–18% of cases
- • Can affect the eye and impact vision
Common shingles myths
“I never had chickenpox, so I can't get shingles.”
99% of Canadians born before 1995 carry the varicella-zoster virus — many had such mild cases they do not remember.
“Shingles is just a rash — it's not that bad.”
Shingles can cause severe nerve pain, and postherpetic neuralgia can linger for months or years.
“I already had shingles, so I'm immune now.”
Shingles can recur. Having had it once is a reason to get vaccinated, to help prevent a second episode.
Reviewed by our pharmacist — book a free chat to confirm whether the shingles vaccine is right for you.
Ready to protect yourself?
Shingrix is available at Imagine Health Pharmacy — no referral needed. Walk in, call, or book a free chat with our pharmacist.