THUNDER BAY - Seniors looking to take advantage of the publicly funded shingles vaccine but are outside the age range of 65 to 70, still have a few days left to get the shot.
Publically funded shingle’s vaccines have been available in Ontario since Sept. 2016. Diana Gowanlock, manager of infectious disease programs with the Thunder Bay District Health Unit, explained the Health Unit has been offering it to adults who are 71 years-old for the last two weeks.
“Up until Dec. 31 they are eligible to receive the vaccine as well, so we’ve had a couple additional clinics on our site trying to get any of those people who are eligible before their eligibility runs out,” she said.
The shingles vaccine was made free for people between the age of 65 and 70 in September. Prior to the change, senior’s had to pay $170 to receive the vaccine if it was not covered by a health care plan. More than 200,000 people in Ontario have received the vaccine since September.
“Shingles is more common in older adults, so they are probably just targeting that age group right now to see what the uptick is,” Gowanlock said. “It has been very well received across the province.”
Ontario is the first province to provide publically funded shingles vaccines. People infected by the shingles virus often experience pain, tingling, itching, and a painful rash. For seniors, the virus can result in long-lasting complications.
“The shingles vaccine is recommend by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization,” Gowanlock said. “Nationally it’s recommended to anybody over the age of 60 and up. There are complications from [shingles], the most common complication is a pain syndrome that can happen afterwards. So even after shingles goes away, you can have long lasting pain.”
The shingles vaccine is also available at pharmacies, but Gowanlock said they are not part of the publically funded vaccines made available by the province and cost the $170 if not covered by a health plan.
As for people outside of age 65 to 70, they can still get the vaccine, they just need to find it outside of the publically funded ones available.
“Those people who are outside that age group can still get the vaccine, however, they would have to put it through a benefit plan or pay for it themselves,” Gowanlock said.
The publically funded shingles vaccine is available from health care providers and the Thunder Bay District Health Unit.
