About a third of the eligible population of Newfoundland and Labrador has availed of the shingles vaccine for older men and women since the rollout of the program close to a year ago.

The virus is painful, can cause a rash and can result in long-term damage.

Up to last year, there was a, in some cases, a cost associated with the vaccine but in June 2025, the provincial government made it accessible to all older adults free of charge.

Dr. Ashley Waghmare, the head of the Pharmacists Association of Newfoundland and Labrador, says having 76,000 people receive the vaccine is a good number, but it is still only a third of the number eligible.

She notes that it is very important for all who choose the treatment to follow through with both shots.

“One on the initial date, then one 2-6 months later,” says Dr. Waghmare. “The first one will give you the vast majority of your immunity but that second one is really important because it will give you the longer immunity.”