Shingles vaccine free for Quebecers over 75

A syringe and vaccine vial. (Photo by Mufid Majn)

By The Canadian Press

Posted April 29, 2024 9:12 am.

The shingles vaccine will be offered free of charge to people 75 and over starting May 1, announced Health Minister Christian Dubé in a press release.

The vaccine was already free for people over the age of 85.

It will be administered to Quebecers 75 and over at local points of service and pharmacies.

“Expanding access to the shingles vaccine is part of one of the priorities of the Health Plan, which is to do more prevention,” said Dubé in a press release.

According to the Health Ministry, 27,000 cases of shingles are recorded in Quebec every year, as well as 600 hospitalizations and 10 deaths linked to it.

“Each process of expanding free eligibility for a vaccine is a step that we are taking in the right direction to ensure we have a population in perfect health, but also to reduce pressure on the health and care network. social services,” said Minister for Seniors and Health Sonia Bélanger.

–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews

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