Publicly funded shingles immunization program
Advisory Alert
September 15, 2016
*Cette information est seulement disponible en anglais.
I am writing to inform you that on September 15, 2016, Ontario will begin offering the shingles vaccine free of charge to seniors between the ages of 65 and 70 as part of its publicly funded immunization program.
The shingles (herpes zoster) immunization program will launch on September 15, 2016. Through this program, a single dose of Zostavax® II vaccine will be publicly funded in Ontario for seniors between 65 and 70 years of age (i.e., up to the day prior to the 71st birthday). On a one-time basis, until December 31, 2016, individuals born in 1945 (i.e., those who are already 71 or will be turning 71 in 2016) will also be eligible to receive the publicly funded shingles vaccine. This is to ensure that those who are at or close to the upper age eligibility cut-off have sufficient time to access the vaccine. Health Care Providers are encouraged to identify and offer the shingles vaccine to their eligible clients. The vaccine should be administered regardless of whether or not the person has a history of varicella infection.
Please note that both the Patient Fact Sheet and the Qs & As for Health Care Providers will also be posted on the ministry’s website on the day of the launch.
In order to ensure a successful program launch, Health Care Providers may now begin ordering shingles vaccine from the Sudbury & District Health Unit. Please be informed that vaccine should not be administered until the program is officially launched on September 15, 2016.
Attached is a new Vaccine Order Form which has been updated to include Publicly Funded Zostavax. This form is now two pages, the first page includes all Publicly Funded vaccine and the second page is specific to high-risk vaccine only. When ordering, please include a copy of the last two weeks of fridge temperature logs.
Should you have any questions about the launch of this new program or the new order form, please contact the immunization program as per below.
Thank you and please contact my office should you have any questions or comments.
For all reporting, inquiries or comments, please contact the Sudbury & District Health Unit at 705.522.9200, ext. 301.
This item was last modified on October 4, 2021