CARP’s Chief Advocacy and Education Officer Bill VanGorder has written the following on behalf of the organization:
“Premier Eby’s Government has said they are looking seriously at a Shingles program for years – it’s time to actually implement it!
“On behalf of the Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP) and the almost 20,000 CARP members in BC, we wish to express our support for Premier Eby’s government’s commitment to implement a shingles prevention program for British Columbia seniors as part of the upcoming provincial budget.
“The recent statement by the Health Minister acknowledging that shingles is “an issue that we’re seriously looking at and looking to bring change” is encouraging. This commitment comes at a crucial time when the importance of vaccines has been underscored by the pandemic.
“While it’s heartening to see that steps have already been taken to offer the Shingrix vaccination at no cost to First Nations Elders aged 65 and older, this policy exposes a glaring inequity: why are other seniors in BC left to fend for themselves. The government cannot pick and choose which seniors are deserving of protection from a debilitating illness. This patchwork approach to healthcare only deepens the divide and leaves far too many seniors vulnerable.
“While the provincial government is ‘seriously considering’ a shingles prevention program for seniors in BC, many seniors’ quality of life is going down. Time for consideration is long past. Seniors in this province deserve action, not empty promises and delayed decisions.
“The Office of the Seniors Advocate’s recent “listening tour” and subsequent report highlighting the provision of free shingles vaccines as one of the top five immediate actions recommended for the BC government further emphasizes the urgency of this matter.
“Moreover, the British Columbia Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services has recommended funding two doses of shingles vaccine for older British Columbians as part of Budget 2025. This bipartisan support demonstrates the widespread recognition of this issue’s importance.
“As our population ages, it’s crucial that we take proactive steps to protect the health of our seniors. A comprehensive shingles prevention program would not only improve the quality of life for many older British Columbians but also potentially reduce the burden on our healthcare system.
“Twenty-thousand CARP members – seniors from across the Province – urge the government to act swiftly on these recommendations and implement a province-wide shingles vaccination program for all seniors. It’s time to turn words into action and demonstrate our commitment to the health and well-being of our older citizens.
“Premier Eby, seniors deserve basic healthcare. These are the people who have worked hard to build this province and they deserve leadership, action and respect. Expanding the shingles vaccination program to include all seniors in BC is a critical first step to proving your government values its aging population. But it cannot stop there. The province must commit to a long-term strategy to ensure that BC seniors can grow old with dignity, health and respect. They need tangible, comprehensive action to address the systemic gaps in healthcare, housing and social supports. The time to act is now!”
