Shingles

Shingles (herpes zoster) is a painful, blistering skin rash due to the varicella-zoster virus, the virus that causes chickenpox (U.S. National Library of Medicine - The World's Largest Medical Library http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001861/). It is a condition that is more likely to affect those over the age of 60 and from all accounts it is rather painful. 

There is a vaccine that apparently reduces the possibility of getting this virus. Obtaining the vaccine is somewhat complicated  in that
1) doctor needs to do a perscription
2) because it is a live vaccine - one needs to go to the drugstore who give it to you and then you need to rush back to the doctor.
3) doctor gives the needle.

It sounds as if it would take an hour or two to make it all happen. A bit of a nuisance but certainly it is manageable especially if the pharmacy in the clinic can obtain the vaccine. The only problem is the cost.

$150.00 per needle!!!!

The cost is not covered by any provincial or private medical plan.

I can afford it, but what about the 1000s of Canadians over the age of 60 who can not? It would seem to be outrageous that one's health is directly connected to one's wealth. If one can not afford to buy the vaccine  you run the risk of getting this preventable and painful condition. If you can - then you don't.

This is at the very least is unfair and unjust. It is the antithesis of what our public health system is suppose to be. It is wrong!!