As the National Institute on Ageing (NIA) calls for greater shingles vaccine access, millions of older Canadians face barriers to getting vaccinated—mainly due to high out-of-pocket costs. While shingles is a painful and potentially debilitating disease, many seniors remain unprotected because the vaccine is not universally covered under public healthcare programs.
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Why Is the National Institute on Ageing Advocating for Greater Access?
The National Institute on Ageing (NIA), a leading Canadian research organization focused on improving the well-being of older adults, is pushing for government-funded shingles vaccination programs. While some provinces offer partial coverage, many older adults are left to pay hundreds of dollars for the vaccine, making it inaccessible for those on fixed incomes.
Key reasons the NIA is advocating for better access:
✔ Shingles is a serious health threat – The virus causes painful rashes and nerve damage, sometimes leading to long-term complications like postherpetic neuralgia (PHN).
✔ Seniors are most vulnerable – Adults over 50 are at the highest risk, with chances of developing shingles increasing with age.
✔ Vaccine costs are a barrier – The shingles vaccine can cost between $300 to $400 per person, preventing many from getting immunized.
What is Shingles, and Why is Vaccination Important?
Shingles, caused by the varicella-zoster virus (the same virus responsible for chickenpox), remain dormant for years in people who have previously had chickenpox. However, as the immune system weakens with age, the virus can reactivate, leading to intense pain, blisters, and long-term nerve damage.
Why getting the vaccine is essential:
🔹 Reduces risk by up to 90% – The shingles vaccine has been proven to be highly effective in preventing outbreaks.
🔹 Prevents severe complications – Without vaccination, 10-18% of shingles cases result in long-term nerve pain (PHN), which can last for months or years.
🔹 Protects overall health – Shingles can weaken the immune system, increasing susceptibility to other infections and illnesses.
The Cost Barrier: Why Many Older Canadians Are Left Unprotected
While vaccines for flu and COVID-19 are widely available at no cost, the shingles vaccine is not fully covered under Canada’s public healthcare system. Some provinces offer partial reimbursement, but in most regions, individuals must pay out of pocket—leading to low vaccination rates.
A report by the National Institute on Ageing found that:
✔ Less than 30% of eligible seniors have received the shingles vaccine
✔ More than half of older Canadians are unaware the vaccine exists or think it’s covered by their health plan
✔ High costs discourage seniors from getting vaccinated, even though they are most at risk
What Needs to Change? The NIA’s Call for Action
To increase vaccine access, the National Institute on Ageing is calling on federal and provincial governments to:
✅ Fully cover the cost of the shingles vaccine for seniors, as they do with flu and pneumonia vaccines.
✅ Raise awareness about the dangers of shingles and the importance of vaccination.
✅ Encourage family doctors and pharmacists to promote the vaccine to patients over 50.
How Can You Get the Shingles Vaccine?
If you’re over 50 and haven’t been vaccinated, here’s what you need to do:
🔹 Check your provincial health plan – Some provinces offer coverage for certain age groups.
🔹 Speak to your doctor or pharmacist – They can advise on availability and cost.
🔹 Look into private insurance options – Some workplace and retirement health plans cover the vaccine.
Final Thoughts: Why Every Senior Should Get Protected
As the National Institute on Ageing calls for greater shingles vaccine access, it’s clear that cost should not be a barrier to good health. Until full coverage is available, older Canadians should explore their options and prioritize getting vaccinated.
Age is the biggest risk factor for shingles, so ensuring affordable and widespread access to the vaccine is essential for keeping seniors healthy and pain-free.