B.C. can save money — and patients from pain — with free shingles vaccines, pharmacist says

A vaccine advocate says it’s time for British Columbia to publicly fund the shingles vaccine to save patients from needless pain and the health-care system from needless expense.

Ajit Johal, a pharmacist and clinical director with vaccine promotion and education effort Immunize.io, says the condition, which causes a blistering skin rash and can lead to long-term pain for some patients, can largely be prevented or made less severe with a two-dose vaccine treatment.

The problem, he says, is that the shots are not covered by the province and even extended benefit plans are hit-or-miss. 

The lack of coverage is a financial barrier for some as the doses can cost over $300.

Ajit Johal at his Port Coquitlam pharmacy

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