An advocacy group in Canada is urging the British Columbian government to provide free shingles and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines to seniors across the province.
The Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP), renowned for its advocacy work on behalf of older community members, is emphasizing the importance of government-funded vaccination programs to support the health and well-being of seniors. With Seniors’ Week commencing in the province, CARP is seizing the opportunity to highlight the necessity of accessible vaccines for the over 1 million seniors residing in British Columbia.
Highlighting the demographic landscape of the province, CARP underscores that seven municipalities in British Columbia boast the oldest average populations in the nation.
At present, seniors in British Columbia are required to cover the costs associated with obtaining shingles and RSV vaccines, a financial burden that CARP contends disproportionately affects the elderly population. According to CARP, over 70 percent of seniors in British Columbia remain unvaccinated against shingles.
Citing findings from a recent Statistics Canada report, CARP underscores that cost serves as a significant deterrent preventing seniors from seeking vaccination against shingles. This viral infection, triggered by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus responsible for chickenpox, manifests as a painful rash characterized by blistering lesions across the chest, abdomen, or face.
Speaking on behalf of CARP, a spokesperson underscores the heightened vulnerability of seniors to shingles due to age-related weakening of the immune system. The spokesperson emphasizes the universal susceptibility of British Columbia adults to shingles owing to prior exposure to chickenpox.
Ramona Kaptyn, a senior residing in British Columbia and an active member of CARP’s local chapter, shares her firsthand experience with shingles. Describing the excruciating pain and discomfort associated with the infection, Kaptyn underscores the efficacy of vaccination in preventing the recurrence of shingles.
Acknowledging the pressing need for action, B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix pledges to address the issue of shingles vaccination. Dix acknowledges the disparities in vaccination programs across provinces and affirms the government’s commitment to exploring comprehensive solutions to enhance access to shingles vaccination for seniors in British Columbia.
