N.S. to cover cost of shingles vaccine for residents 65 and older starting end of May – Halifax [Video]

The Nova Scotia government will begin covering the cost of the shingles vaccine as of May 28 for residents aged 65 and older.

Premier Tim Houston said Tuesday that residents can start booking appointments immediately for the shots, fulfilling a promise he made during the campaign leading up to his Nov. 26 re-election.

The premier said during a news conference that he’s hopeful the vaccination program, which is projected to cost $26 million in its first year, will help reduce the painful symptoms of the illness in older Nova Scotians.

“The vaccine is often just out of reach financially for too many people,” Houston said. “We really want to be sure we remove the barriers.”

The Health Department says the cost of two doses of vaccine is about $400 – too high for some seniors who want to receive them.

Dr. Robert Strang, the province’s chief medical officer, said during …