Cape Breton senior calls on N.S. government to fund high-dose flu shot
CBC
A Cape Breton man says the Nova Scotia government should provide seniors with the high-dose flu shot at no charge.
The regular vaccine is free for everyone over six months old, but Richard Globe says he was surprised at the cost of the shot that is recommended for those over 65.
"They want everybody to have the flu shot so everybody doesn't end up in the hospital sick, and yet they want the seniors to pay for their high-dose vaccine. It's not right," the 68-year-old said.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization says seniors should get the high-dose vaccine because it is more effective for them.
Nova Scotia should heed that advice, Globe said.
He booked a flu shot appointment and when he arrived, found out there is a high-dose version.
Globe said he was surprised there was a charge and even more surprised at the cost.
"I thought maybe $10 or $15, but over $80, that's out of reach for most seniors," he said.
Globe took the regular dose, but wasn't happy about it.
Both the NDP and Liberal opposition parties have been urging the Progressive Conservatives to cover the extra cost for seniors, but so far the government has refused to budge.
Most other provinces are making the high-dose vaccine available to everyone over 65.
In an emailed statement, Nova Scotia Health and Wellness says the high-dose shot is covered for seniors living in long-term care facilities.
The department says they are the "highest-risk patients in the highest-risk environments."
It says for everyone else, the regular flu shot "is still effective at preventing severe illness and hospitalization."
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