Shingles - Zostavax Vaccine in Toronto

What is shingles?

Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes Chickenpox known as Zoster. Once you have had chickenpox the virus stays in your body and can be inactive for many years, however, if it becomes active again it causes shingles.

It is a painful condition often associated with a blistering rash. The rash can last several weeks and can result in serious complications such as skin infection, scarring and chronic nerve pain.

Shingles vaccine

Zostavax is the only vaccine available to help prevent shingles in people 60 years old or older. Zostavax can also help reduce the pain and duration of shingles.

A single dose of shingles vaccine is needed.

What are the risks?

No serious problems have been identified with shingles vaccine.

Some mild reactions may be soreness, swelling, redness where the injection was given and a headache.

     To get your Shingles (Zostavax) vaccine call the GTA Travel Clinic and Vaccination Centre at 905 303 1900. We cover the GTA Toronto, Richmond Hill and Woodbridge areas for Shingles (Zostavax) Vaccine.

Please note: The information in this document is provided for general information purposes only. Nothing takes the place of speaking with a travel doctor. This information and your receipt thereof is not intended to be, nor shall be deemed to be, informed consent by you to any medical care or treatment whatsoever. Please consult our doctors at the GTA Travel Clinic and Vaccination Centre for a proper medical assessment.

Please note that the vaccine is not a benefit of O.H.I.P.

If you have private health insurance through work or school you may be covered for vaccines. With your payment we will provide you with an invoice (with the unique Drug Identification Number for each vaccine) so you can claim your expenses back from your insurance company.

Insurance companies will require Drug Identification Numbers for each vaccine in order to reimburse you.

Click here to find the names and phone numbers of major Insurance Companies.