Shingrix · 4.9 stars from 202 Google reviews
Shingles vaccine in Calgary
Two doses of Shingrix give healthy adults about 90% protection against shingles. Wessam Sakr, the pharmacist who owns Edgemont Family Pharmacy, gives both doses here in NW Calgary. Book online, or call and ask whether it's right for you.
Who the shingles vaccine is for
MyHealth Alberta lists two groups: adults 50 and older, and adults 18 and older who have had or will have an organ transplant, or who have had a stem cell transplant or CAR T-cell therapy.
You can still have it if you've had shingles before, or if you're not sure you ever had chickenpox. After a bout of shingles, wait a year before your first dose.
It prevents shingles. It doesn't treat a rash you have now, and it doesn't prevent chickenpox.
Two doses, and the timing
Both doses are needed for long-lasting protection.
- 2
- 2 to 6 months after the first
- Not recommended at this time
- Wait 1 year
- Wait at least 1 year
- About 90%
Check with the pharmacist first if
Any of these may mean you can't have it, so talk to us before you book.
You have an allergy to any part of the vaccine
Tell us about every allergy you have, even ones that seem unrelated.
You had a serious or unusual reaction before
To Shingrix, or to a vaccine like it.
You're pregnant or breastfeeding
Talk it through with us before booking.
You have shingles now, or had it in the last year
The vaccine waits until a year has passed.
You had Zostavax in the last year
Same rule: wait at least a year.
What the days after feel like
Side effects tend to be mild and go away in a few days. The common ones are a sore, red or swollen arm, feeling tired or unwell, a headache, fever or chills, aches, or an upset stomach.
You'll wait in the pharmacy for 15 minutes after the needle, in case of a rare allergic reaction. For a sore arm, a cool, wet cloth over the spot helps. If you're not sure what to take for fever or pain, ask us.
If your healthcare provider has told you to call them when you get a fever, because of a weakened immune system, call them even if you think the fever is from the vaccine.
A cold or other mild illness doesn't stop you having it, but it's best to stay home until you feel better so you don't pass it on.
Who gives your vaccine
Wessam Sakr, BScPharm, RPh
Certified Bariatric Educator, Obesity CanadaCertified Diabetes Educator, Diabetes CanadaOver nine years of patient care
Wessam owns the pharmacy and works in it. He's the pharmacist you'll see for both doses.
What people say about getting vaccinated here
Rated 4.9 from 202 Google reviews (November 2026). These are about vaccines here in general, not shingles in particular.
Sandrene Redhead-Spencer · October 2026
Very professional service provided by the team. Especially the Pharmacist, attentive and informative regarding vaccines
Feathrles_Bipod · April 2026
Very professional and approachable staff, addressed my questions regarding my vaccinations with patience and understanding.
Michael Petersen · March 2026
Excellent and friendly service. Got in for vaccinations and was seen quickly.
Cindy Avitia · September 2026
Excellent service! Pharmacist Wessam and the pharmacy assistant are friendly and understanding. Called around different pharmacies and Edgemont Family Pharmacy was the only one that had everything I needed for vaccines.
How to book
Book the first dose
Use the Book button, then choose Vaccines / Injections and Shingles. It asks whether you have a prescription for the vaccine. If you don't, pick that option and you'll book a consult with the pharmacist. Or phone 403-930-5806.
Bring your list
Your medications, any allergies, and any immunization record you have.
Book the second dose
Aim for 2 to 6 months after the first, online or by phone. Both doses are given here.
Common questions
How much does the shingles vaccine cost in Calgary?
Most adults pay for Shingrix, and there are two doses, so budget for both. You'll see our current price when you book online. If you have private or workplace health insurance, ask your plan whether it covers the vaccine.
Is the shingles vaccine free for over 50 in Alberta?
Not usually. MyHealth Alberta says adults 50 and older pay for it unless they've had or will have an organ transplant, or have had a stem cell transplant or CAR T-cell therapy. If one of those applies, ask your healthcare provider about getting it free.
How soon after having shingles can I get the vaccine?
Wait 1 year after having shingles before your first dose.
What is the downside of getting the shingles vaccine?
It's two needles, 2 to 6 months apart, and the days after can bring a sore arm, tiredness, a headache or aches. These tend to be mild and go away in a few days. You wait 15 minutes in the pharmacy afterwards in case of a rare allergic reaction.
I had Zostavax years ago. Should I get Shingrix?
You can, once at least a year has passed since Zostavax. MyHealth Alberta says Shingrix gives better protection.
Do I really need the second dose?
Yes. Both doses are needed for long-lasting protection. Book the second one for 2 to 6 months after the first.
I think I have shingles right now. Will the vaccine help?
No, the vaccine prevents shingles and doesn't treat it. Call us on 403-930-5806 about the rash, or Health Link on 811 when we're closed.