Seniors' rights advocate speaks out against B.C. government's stance on shingles vaccine funding
A leading advocate for seniors' rights has criticized the B.C. government's decision to withhold funding for the shingles vaccine, despite its proven effectiveness in preventing severe pain and potentially reducing dementia risk. The vaccine is recommended by health authorities for those aged 50 and above, yet B.C. remains one of the provinces refusing universal coverage.
The shingles vaccine, known as Shingrix, is highly recommended by Canada's National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) for individuals aged 50 and older, as well as those with compromised immune systems over 18. Shingles is a painful condition caused by the reactivation of chickenpox, which can lead to severe blisters, nerve pain, and burning sensations on the torso, limbs, or face. The risk of developing shingles increases with age, affecting up to 30% of the population.
In Canada, an estimated 130,000 cases of shingles occur annually, resulting in persistent nerve pain for about 17,000 individuals and hospitalization for 2,000. Shingrix, the vaccine, boasts impressive efficacy rates of 97% for those aged 50-69 and 91% for those over 70. Its protection lasts for approximately 12 years.
Indigenous people aged 60 and above can access the shingles vaccine at no cost through the First Nations Health Authority's funding, but this is not the case for the general population. While some employer health insurance plans may cover the vaccine, many individuals must bear the cost themselves, which can be prohibitively expensive. The provincial government does not provide funding for the shingles vaccine, despite its potential to reduce healthcare costs and improve public health.
Laura Tamblyn Watts, CEO of CanAge, a national seniors' advocacy organization, argues that the burden of paying for the vaccine is unfair to B.C. seniors and represents poor public health policy. She highlights that other regions have already shifted to providing seniors' coverage, such as Nova Scotia, which started covering the vaccine in May last year. The economic impact of shingles is significant, with potential savings from reduced treatment costs and the prevention of severe complications.
A 2024 study further emphasizes the vaccine's role in lowering dementia diagnoses by approximately 20%. Tamblyn Watts stresses the importance of making vaccines accessible and affordable, especially for seniors on fixed incomes, who may struggle to afford the $800 cost of the vaccine. She believes that governments should prioritize funding for vaccines to ensure public health and economic benefits.
Despite the advocacy, the B.C. government has not indicated any plans to change its stance on publicly funded shingles vaccine coverage. The Ministry of Health states that it regularly reviews the immunization program and consults with experts to assess the need for vaccine inclusion in publicly funded immunizations. The decision is based on national and provincial guidance, scientific evidence, and responsible stewardship of public resources.
Critics argue that the government's reluctance to fund the shingles vaccine may be due to the high cost of treatment for those who contract the disease. However, the potential long-term savings and public health benefits of universal coverage are significant, especially with the growing elderly population in Canada.
