Skip to main content
Tap to Call — (905) 712-0003
Peel Best
Pharmacy

Shingles Vaccine in Mississauga — Shingrix Available at Heartland

Shingrix (recombinant zoster vaccine) available at Peel Best Pharmacy — no appointment needed. Recommended for adults 50+. 2-dose series for 90%+ protection against shingles.

Call (905) 712-0003 Get Directions

Address

550 Matheson Blvd W, Unit 106
Mississauga, ON L5R 4B8
Inside Heartland Town Centre

Hours

Monday - Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Saturday: Closed

Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Contact

(905) 712-0003

Walk-in · No appointment needed · Call to confirm stock

Why Shingrix Is the Recommended Shingles Vaccine

Shingles (herpes zoster) is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus — the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a childhood chickenpox infection, the virus lies dormant in nerve tissue and can reactivate decades later as shingles. About 1 in 3 Canadians will develop shingles in their lifetime, with risk increasing sharply after age 50.

Shingrix is a recombinant, non-live vaccine — unlike the older Zostavax. It is more than 90% effective at preventing shingles and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), the chronic nerve pain that can last months or years after an outbreak. Its efficacy remains above 85% even in adults over 70. NACI and the National Advisory Committee on Immunization strongly recommend Shingrix for all adults 50 and older.

90%+

Efficacy in adults 50–69

85%+

Efficacy in adults 70+

2 doses

2–6 months apart

4.9 ★ on Google
Shingrix In-Stock
Free Parking

Who Should Get the Shingles Vaccine?

NACI recommends Shingrix for all immunocompetent adults 50 and older, and for certain immunocompromised adults.

Adults 50 and Older

NACI recommends Shingrix for all immunocompetent adults aged 50+. Risk of shingles and its complications increases significantly with age.

Adults with Chronic Conditions

Diabetes, COPD, chronic kidney disease, and other conditions that reduce immune function increase shingles risk.

Those on Immunosuppressive Therapy

Low-dose steroids, methotrexate, and similar medications can increase shingles risk. Discuss timing with your pharmacist.

Adults Who Have Had Shingles Before

A prior shingles episode does not provide reliable long-term immunity. Shingrix is recommended even if you've had shingles previously.

Previously Vaccinated with Zostavax

The older Zostavax vaccine (live) is less effective than Shingrix. If you received Zostavax, Shingrix is now recommended.

Adults Under 50 with Increased Risk

Immunocompromised adults under 50 (e.g., cancer, HIV, organ transplant) may be candidates. Discuss with your physician.

Shingrix vs. Zostavax — What's the Difference?

Feature Shingrix (Recommended) Zostavax (Older)
Type Recombinant, adjuvanted (non-live) Live attenuated
Doses 2 doses, 2–6 months apart 1 dose
Efficacy (50–69) >90% ~70%
Efficacy (70+) >85% ~40–50%
Duration 10+ years (studies ongoing) Wanes after 5–7 years
Immunocompromised Can be used (discuss) Contraindicated
NACI recommendation Preferred No longer preferred

Is Shingrix Covered in Ontario?

Publicly funded: Adults 65+ with qualifying conditions

Ontario's publicly funded immunization schedule covers Shingrix for adults aged 65 and older who are immunocompromised (HIV, cancer treatment, organ transplant, certain autoimmune conditions on immunosuppressants). Eligible patients pay nothing.

Private insurance: Many plans cover it

Most employer group benefits and extended health plans cover Shingrix partially or fully under their drug/vaccine benefit. Check your plan's travel and vaccine section. We can help you submit a claim on-site.

Out of pocket: Adults 50–64 without qualifying conditions

For adults aged 50–64 without qualifying medical conditions, Shingrix is not covered by OHIP and must be paid privately. Given the cost of shingles complications — missed work, PHN pain lasting months, corneal damage from ophthalmic shingles — most patients consider it worth the investment.

Frequently Asked Questions — Shingles Vaccine in Mississauga

Is Shingrix covered by OHIP in Ontario?
Shingrix is not universally covered by OHIP for all adults. However, as of 2023, Shingrix (2-dose series) is publicly funded in Ontario for adults aged 65 and older who are immunocompromised or have certain underlying conditions, through the Ontario Publicly Funded Immunization Schedule. For most adults aged 50–64 without qualifying conditions, Shingrix is not OHIP-covered and must be paid for out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Many employer benefit plans and extended health plans cover some or all of the cost. Our pharmacist can help you check coverage before your appointment.
What is the cost of Shingrix in Mississauga?
Shingrix is one of the more expensive vaccines — each dose has a retail cost, and the full 2-dose series represents a significant investment. Many private insurance and employer benefit plans cover the vaccine fully or partially. For qualifying patients under Ontario's publicly funded program (seniors 65+ with certain conditions), the cost is covered. Call (905) 712-0003 for current pricing. We accept most major insurance plans and can help you submit a claim.
Do I need a prescription for Shingrix?
In Ontario, pharmacists are authorized to administer Shingrix without a physician's prescription for adults who meet eligibility criteria. You can walk in to Peel Best Pharmacy and receive Shingrix after a brief screening by our pharmacist to confirm eligibility and review any contraindications.
What is the Shingrix schedule — how many doses do I need?
Shingrix requires 2 doses. The second dose is given 2 to 6 months after the first. Both doses are needed for full protection — a single dose provides only partial immunity. If you received your first dose elsewhere, we can administer the second dose at Peel Best Pharmacy. Bring your vaccination record if available.
Can I get Shingrix if I have already had shingles?
Yes. Having had shingles does not provide reliable long-term protection against future episodes, and postherpetic neuralgia risk remains after a first outbreak. NACI recommends Shingrix even for adults who have previously had shingles, typically waiting until the acute episode has fully resolved (at least 12 months in most guidelines). Discuss the timing with our pharmacist.
What are the side effects of Shingrix?
Shingrix has a higher rate of local and systemic side effects compared to many other vaccines — this is by design, as the adjuvant system stimulates a strong immune response. Common side effects include injection-site soreness, redness and swelling (very common), fatigue, muscle aches, headache, shivering, fever, and gastrointestinal symptoms lasting 2–3 days. Most people experience some reaction after the second dose. Plan the vaccination for a day when you can rest the following day if needed. Serious adverse events are rare.
Is it too late to get Shingrix if I am over 70 or 80?
It is never too late to benefit from Shingrix. Clinical trials show high efficacy (approximately 90%+) in adults aged 70–79, and meaningful protection in adults 80 and older. Shingles and postherpetic neuralgia (chronic nerve pain) are significantly more severe and long-lasting in older adults — making vaccination even more important with advancing age.

Get Your Shingrix Vaccine in Mississauga

550 Matheson Blvd W, Unit 106 · Mississauga, ON L5R 4B8

Mon–Fri 10 AM – 4 PM · Sun 10 AM – 2 PM · Walk-in · No appointment needed · Free parking

Call (905) 712-0003 Get Directions

Other Vaccines & Services

Flu Shot Pneumonia Vaccine COVID Vaccine Senior Pharmacy Blister Packaging All Services

Stay Informed About Your Health

Get seasonal health tips, flu shot reminders, and pharmacy updates delivered to your inbox.

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.