An Alberta NDP government will expand Alberta seniors access to the shingles vaccine.

A third of Albertans will develop shingles in our lifetime and that risk increases dramatically with age. Fortunately we have an extremely effective vaccine available. Unfortunately, that vaccine is not cheap and the cost is a barrier to access for many seniors.

Every year in Alberta, an estimated 35,000 Albertans will come down with shingles. The disease causes an excruciatingly painful rash which can require hospitalization in some cases.

The Shingrix vaccine will be made available free of charge to every Albertan who receives the Alberta Seniors Benefit and who wants the vaccine. We will also offer the vaccine to all Albertans in continuing care or are clients of home care.

We saw during the COVID-19 pandemic just how quickly seniors’ homes can be overwhelmed by infectious disease and I believe that making the shingles vaccine available at no cost to folks who want it in these facilities makes good sense.

Offering the Shingrix vaccine to approximately 300,000 eligible seniors will keep Albertans healthy, save the healthcare system money, and free up badly overstretched ambulances and emergency room staff.

The National Advisory Committee on Immunizations recommends that everyone over the age of 50 get vaccinated for shingles as it is both a highly effective vaccine but also cost-effective for the health system more broadly.