HALIFAX, N.S. – Premier Tim Houston today announced the latest step in his government’s plan to improve health care services for Nova Scotia seniors. Houston announced that a re-elected PC Government will introduce a Universal Shingles Program that provides free access to the shingles vaccine for those aged 65 and older.
“Today across Canada, nearly one in three people develop shingles despite the fact that we have ready access to a vaccine,” said Houston. “That’s not just a stat – that’s a call to action. That’s why we will make the shingles vaccine free for all Nova Scotians aged 65 and older.”
Under the PC plan all Nova Scotians 65 and over will be eligible to receive the vaccine. The initial cost of the program will be $27 million in year one with costs dropping below $3 million annually by year three as the program primarily focuses on those just entering the 65 and over cohort.
Houston also highlighted previous steps that the Nova Scotia PCs have taken to improve health care. This includes the creation of a new medical school at CBU to train more doctors, the opening of an International Medical Graduate Assessment Clinic that will accredit more foreign trained doctors, and the creation of 200 additional nursing seats at post-secondary institutions across the province.
Earlier in the campaign Houston announced that a re-elected PC Government will introduce internal travel nurse teams to serve high-need areas as part of the publicly-funded system as well as the creation of Canada’s first Menopause Centre of Excellence.
“Previous governments kicked the can down the road. We’re kicking into a higher gear and making investments in the things that matter most,” said Houston. “That’s how you improve health care. That’s how you make it happen.”