Newfoundlanders and Labradorians 65 and older are now eligible for the provincially-covered shingles vaccine.

Those between the ages of 50 and 64 who are immunocompromised are also eligible for the vaccine.

Shingles, a painful viral infection of the nerves, develops in those who were previously exposed to the chicken pox.

The virus remains dormant in the body but can reactivate later in life with a painful rash. The risk rises with age.

The publicly funded vaccination program will be expanded to all residents 50 and older as of September 1.