The cost of the shingles vaccine for some Ontario seniors will soon be covered by the governing Liberals at Queen’s Park.

In February, the provincial government promised to offer free vaccines for Ontario residents aged 65 to 70.

But as of right now, the free coverage is still not available. The vaccine is $170.

A government source says an announcement is expected shortly. The free vaccines will be available to about 700,000 seniors.

Shingles is a painful, blistering rash that an estimated one in three people will experience in their lifetime.

It’s caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, meaning that anyone who has had chickenpox — an estimated 90 per cent of Canadians — can develop shingles.