An organization advocating for the elderly in New Brunswick has reported significant improvements in vaccine accessibility, though it pointed out an ongoing issue in a recent assessment. CanAge, the group in question, awarded New Brunswick a B-plus grade, placing it in a tie for third position alongside Newfoundland and Labrador and Yukon. In comparison, neighboring provinces Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island achieved higher ratings this year, scoring A-minus and A-plus, respectively.
Laura Tamblyn-Watts, CanAge’s CEO, expressed optimism about New Brunswick’s progress, noting that the province had previously received an F grade two years ago and consistently ranked poorly. She highlighted the positive change in funding major vaccines that were previously not covered. Tamblyn-Watts emphasized that New Brunswick had made strides in providing various essential vaccines for seniors, including those for influenza, pneumonia, RSV, and COVID. Moreover, she praised the improved digital vaccine records in the province, stating that it eliminated the need for cumbersome paper documentation to track vaccination history.
The favorable ranking of Atlantic Canada in the report card is significant due to the region having the highest proportion of elderly residents in the country, according to Tamblyn-Watts. However, she raised a concern about New Brunswick’s notable gap in shingles vaccine coverage, emphasizing the severe consequences of shingles infection, including potential blindness and recurring episodes. Notably, New Brunswick remains the sole Atlantic province without coverage for the shingles vaccine.
Tamblyn-Watts underscored the financial burden imposed on individuals by the lack of shingles vaccine coverage, as the cost per shot typically ranges from $200 to $300, making it unaffordable for many on fixed incomes. She emphasized the broader societal benefits of widespread vaccination, citing reduced hospitalizations and emergency room overcrowding as significant outcomes.
Overall, the advocacy group’s assessment highlights the progress made in vaccine accessibility in New Brunswick, while also shedding light on the remaining challenges that need to be addressed, particularly concerning shingles vaccine coverage.