A passionate plea for change has been made by Laura Tamblyn Watts, a leading advocate for seniors' rights, as she criticizes the B.C. government's stance on shingles vaccine funding. This issue is not just about numbers and statistics; it's a matter of fairness and public health.
Imagine the pain and suffering that could be prevented with a simple vaccine. Shingles, a reactivation of the chickenpox virus, can cause severe blisters, burning sensations, and long-term nerve pain for one in five sufferers. With an estimated 130,000 cases in Canada annually, resulting in thousands of hospitalizations and persistent pain, the need for a solution is clear.
The vaccine, Shingrix, is highly effective, offering 97% protection for those aged 50-69 and 91% for those over 70. Yet, despite its proven benefits, B.C. remains one of the few provinces refusing universal coverage for seniors aged 50 and older.
But here's where it gets controversial...
While some Indigenous people aged 60 and above can access the vaccine for free through the First Nations Health Authority, and a few employer health insurance plans may cover the cost, most individuals are left to pay out of pocket. And the price tag? A hefty $160 per dose, with some pharmacies charging even more.
Tamblyn Watts, CEO of CanAge, a national seniors' advocacy group, calls this an unfair burden on B.C. seniors. She highlights how other regions, like Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec, have implemented free vaccine programs, removing barriers to access.
"Nearly one in three people develop shingles across Canada, despite the availability of the vaccine," said Premier Tim Houston of Nova Scotia. "That's why we're making the shingles vaccine free."
And this is the part most people miss...
The economic impact of not funding the vaccine is significant. The cost of treating shingles-related illnesses and complications far outweighs the cost of prevention. Not to mention, the vaccine has been found to reduce new dementia diagnoses by around 20%.
"Even if this was a dementia vaccine, with a side effect of preventing shingles, it's still the most effective thing we have for dementia prevention," Tamblyn Watts emphasized.
So, why isn't the B.C. government considering a publicly funded shingles vaccine program?
The Ministry of Health states they regularly review their immunization program and consult experts, but at this time, they are not considering such a program. They encourage those with private health insurance to inquire about coverage, but Tamblyn Watts argues this is a government responsibility.
"Governments should be doing this," she says.
What do you think? Should the B.C. government fund the shingles vaccine? Join the discussion in the comments and share your thoughts on this important public health issue.
