A couple from Tillsonburg, Ont., is expressing their frustration after each paying nearly $200 for a shingles vaccine that they later found out is actually covered by the government. They believe clearer communication about the vaccine program for seniors is needed.
“It just seems like a sneaky way to pass the cost on to unaware seniors,” said Eugene Nakoneczny, 67, after he and his wife Jane, 65, were billed $198 each for the shot on Thursday at the Walmart pharmacy on Broadway Street.
“It’s not a proper way to do business at all.”
They had no idea they qualified for a free vaccine, as detailed on a health ministry webpage regarding Ontario’s publicly funded Shingrix vaccine program. Seniors aged 65 to 70 can get the shot covered by the province only if it’s administered by a primary care provider such as a doctor or nurse.
Shingles occurs when the virus that causes chicken pox reactivates. It may result in skin rashes and severe nerve pain in some cases. Approximately one in three Canadians will develop shingles at some point in their lives, with about two out of three cases happening in individuals over 50 years old.
Eugene Nakoneczny mentioned that he and his wife believed they were being proactive by getting vaccinated and aligned with Ontario’s initiative to allow pharmacists to provide more basic healthcare services to relieve pressure from the health-care system.
The couple regularly gets their annual COVID-19 and flu shots at the pharmacy, which are covered under Ontario’s Health Insurance Plan.
“They’ve got us in a routine of going to the pharmacy.. and it’s always covered and then we find out that it’s not covered,” said Eugene Nakoneczny.
He stated he doesn’t blame the pharmacist who attempted to use Nakoneczny’s health care card for coverage; however, it was declined.
“They were confused too,” he said.
While comprehensive information about Ontario’s shingles vaccine program for seniors is available online, Nakoneczny admitted that he doesn’t use the Internet.
“I think a lot of seniors don’t,” he said.
In response, Ontario’s Ministry of Health informed that pharmacies currently do not administer vaccines through this shingles program aimed at seniors.
“It is the responsibility of the pharmacist to inform clients of eligibility for publicly funded vaccines in Ontario, and where to get them,” according to their statement.
Nakoneczny argued that whether or not coverage applies shouldn’t depend on whether it’s given by a doctor or nurse in an office versus at a pharmacy.
Seniors aged 65-70 have been eligible for funded shingles vaccinations since 2016; initially using Zostavax before transitioning to Shingrix in 2020. The Shingrix vaccine is seen as more effective but requires an additional dose two to six months later.
Pharmacist acknowledges ‘It’s an issue’
Pharmacist Tim Brady remarked that other seniors have also struggled with Ontario’s eligibility criteria surrounding shingles vaccinations. “It’s way more confusing than it needs to be,” stated Brady, owner of three independent pharmacies across Essex County. Brady believes making vaccines available at pharmacies makes sense especially since many seniors already visit them annually for flu shots and medications. “It’s definitely something the province should look at sooner rather than later,” he added.Shingles is a painful rash that develops on one side of the face or body. (U. S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases)
