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- Ministry of Health: Ontario Publicly Funded Shingles (Herpes Zoster) Immunization Program: Shingrix® Vaccine Information for Patients
- See also: Chickenpox
Shingles
Shingles is the name commonly used for herpes zoster, an infection that shows up as a painful skin rash with blisters, usually on part of one side of the body (left or right), often in a strip. Shingles is caused by the varicella zoster virus and can only occur in someone who has had Chickenpox in the past.
More Information about Shingles
Individual cases are not reportable to the Health Unit.
Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) causes two separate diseases: varicella (chickenpox) and herpes zoster (shingles). Varicella (chickenpox) is the primary infection and is a reportable disease. Herpes zoster (shingles) is caused by the reactivation of latent varicella infection in the dorsal root ganglia and is not a reportable disease.
Should one go to childcare, school, or work if they have shingles?
Children can attend child care and school, unless they're too ill to participate in activities or have a fever with behavioural changes.
If you have a shingles infection, avoid close contact with people who have never had chickenpox or who have not received the chickenpox vaccine, until the blisters have healed.
Covering the rash with a dressing that can absorb the fluid and protect the sores can help prevent the spread of the virus to others. Ensure to follow proper hand washing practices.
Note: Exclusion guidelines may differ for healthcare workers. Follow the direction of your healthcare provider or occupational health at your workplace.
Shingles is preventable by vaccination. Check your vaccination records or call the Vaccine Preventable Diseases program at 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5252 to book a vaccination appointment or to obtain additional information.
The shingles vaccine is free from ages 65 -70.
If you don't qualify for the free shingles vaccine, you may get vaccinated for a fee with a prescription from your family doctor, another primary care provider, or local health unit.
Healthcare Provider Information
Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) for Susceptible Contacts Exposed to Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
Susceptible individuals (no prior varicella infection or vaccination) exposed to shingles (herpes zoster) may require post-exposure prophylaxis to prevent varicella (chickenpox). Significant exposure includes direct contact with herpes zoster (HZ) lesions or exposure to disseminated or immunocompromised HZ cases.
Recommended PEP Options:
- Varicella Vaccine:
- For healthy, non-pregnant, susceptible individuals
- Administer 1 dose ASAP, ideally within 72 hours of exposure (effective up to 5 days)
- If the individual has had 1 previous dose, offer the second dose (if under age 50)
- MMRV not recommended for PEP use
- Varicella Zoster Immune Globulin (VarIg):
- For high-risk individuals when varicella vaccine is contraindicated, such as:
- Immunocompromised persons
- Pregnant individuals
- Administer within 96 hours of exposure (can be given up to 10 days)
- If an infant comes into direct contact with the shingles lesions, consultation with a pediatric specialist is recommended and Varicella-Zoster Immune Globulin may be considered
For full guidelines, refer to the Canadian Immunization Guide – Varicella Chapter
- Public Health Ontario: Varicella
- PIDAC: Routine Practices and Additional Precautions in all Healthcare Settings, 3rd edition
- Public Health Agency of Canada: Herpes Zoster (Shingles) Vaccines: Canadian Immunization Guide
Contact our Communicable Disease Control (CDC) program at 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5229, or by email to cdc@healthunit.ca for more information.
Last updated: Sept 2025, by CDC