The Overlooked Issue of Shingles Infections in Older Canadians, And How to Address It! (2022)
Shingles infections affect an estimated 90,000 Canadians aged 50 years and over each year, and cost the health care system approximately $67-82 million. Despite its prevalence—particularly among older adults—and the risk of serious health complications, only 27% of Canadians aged 50 years and over report having a shingles vaccine, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada. The following report reveals a patchwork approach to shingles vaccination across the country, which does not adequately address the prevalence, seriousness or costs of the disease, and outlines eight evidence-informed policy recommendations.
