Effective February 1,
2021, FNHA’s Shingrix® shingles vaccine coverage is available at no
cost to First Nations Elders who are 65 years old and older. This change is
intended to make the vaccine accessible to a larger segment of the Elder population.
Coverage was previously limited to those aged 65 to 69.
The Shingrix®
vaccine can be prescribed by a physician or nurse practitioner, or obtained
directly from the pharmacist. It requires two doses to be fully effective.
The Health Benefits
program also covers pharmacist injection fees when the pharmacist administers
the Shingrix® injection to clients. Information for Pharmacists about
Shingrix® claims is available on the Pacific Blue Cross website.
In cases where the
Shingrix® vaccine dose is being shipped, the pharmacist, client, and
the healthcare professional administering the injection should be aware of the
storage and refrigeration requirements of the vaccine.
Requests for vaccine coverage
for those under 65 years of age will be considered if submitted with supporting
medical documentation from a primary care provider.
Clients over the age
of 69 who have obtained the Shingrix® vaccine after September 1, 2020
can request reimbursement through the Health Benefits’ Client Reimbursement process.
If you have any
questions, please call Health Benefits at 1-855-550-5454.
