First Nations Health Authority Expanding Coverage of Shingrix® Shingles Vaccine for Elders
The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) is committed to continually increasing access to preventative health care services that support clients on their wellness journey.
Effective September 1, 2023, the FNHA's Shingrix® shingles vaccine coverage is available at no cost to First Nations Elders who are 60 years 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 years and older.
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 and may be injected by a pharmacist, community health nurse or physician.
In cases where the Shingrix® vaccine dose is being shipped, the pharmacist, client, and the healthcare professional injecting the vaccine should be aware of the storage and refrigeration requirements of the vaccine.
Requests for vaccine coverage for those under 60 years of age will be considered if submitted with supporting medical documentation from a primary care provider.
Information for healthcare providers is available on the Pacific Blue Cross website.
Plan W covers FreeStyle® Libre 2 Flash Glucose Monitor
Effective August 1, 2023, Plan W covers a flash glucose monitor (FGM), the FreeStyle® Libre 2, in addition to the continuous glucose monitor (CGM), Dexcom G6®, for the monitoring of sugar levels for clients living with diabetes mellitus and requiring intensive insulin treatment.
This additional option is in response to clients' feedback on accessing FreeStyle® Libre 2 and increases access to technologies and medical devices that support clients on their health and wellness journey.
Both FreeStyle® Libre 2 and Dexcom G6® are glucose-monitoring devices that use sensors worn on the skin to measure sugar levels without frequent finger pricks. However, while the FreeStyle® Libre 2 requires a manual device to flash or scan the sensor to check the sugar levels, the Dexcom G6® automatically and continuously sends the sugar levels to a compatible device.
Healthcare providers can support clients in selecting the most suitable glucose monitor option based on the client's needs, lifestyle and health and wellness goals. Clients are encouraged to discuss with their healthcare providers to determine which glucose monitor system suits their needs.
The FreeStyle® Libre 2 and the Dexcom G6® are both available as Limited Coverage benefits that require Special Authority approval for coverage.
For more information about coverage for Dexcom G6®, please see the PharmCare Newsletter July 2021 edition.
For more information about coverage for FreeStyle® Libre 2, please see the PharmaCare Newsletter August 2023 edition.
If you have any questions, please call Health Benefits at 1-855-550-5454.
