N.L. expanding free shingles vaccine to all residents over 50 by September

Newfoundland and Labrador Premier John Hogan has announced that the province will be expanding access to the free shingles vaccine for residents aged 50 and older. The rollout will begin with making the vaccine available to immunocompromised seniors starting on June 1, with all residents over the age of 50 gaining access by September.

This decision fulfills a promise that Premier Hogan made during his campaign for Liberal leadership last month. The Department of Health and Community Services stated in a news release that immunocompromised individuals between the ages of 50 and 64 will be eligible for the vaccine on June 1, followed by all other residents over 50 on September 1.

Currently, the province offers the shingles vaccine to seniors aged 65 and older, as well as to those over 70 who are immunocompromised. In March, the interim health minister, John Haggie, announced plans to expand access to the vaccine on June 1.

Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which also leads to chickenpox and can result in rashes and long-term nerve pain. Health Minister Krista Lynn Howell revealed that the government has allocated $8.5 million in this year’s budget for the provincial vaccine program. However, estimates suggest that providing the vaccine to all residents over 50 could cost around $30 million.

The Progressive Conservative party has raised concerns about the government’s decision, with health critic Barry Petten labeling it a political move. During a recent session in the House of Assembly, PC Leader Tony Wakeham repeatedly questioned Premier Hogan about the vaccine’s availability. Hogan eventually confirmed that the vaccine would be accessible to all individuals over 50.

The expansion of the shingles vaccine program was announced just three days after this exchange and one day after the passing of the 2025-26 provincial budget. Minister Howell explained that the government was able to make this announcement once they determined the necessary vaccine supply to facilitate the expansion.

For more updates on news in Newfoundland and Labrador, download the free CBC News app and sign up for push alerts. Stay informed by subscribing to the daily headlines newsletter and visiting the CBC landing page.