St. John’s, NL (March 14, 2025) – Barry Petten, MHA for Conception Bay South and Shadow Minister of Health and Community Services, is criticizing the Liberal government’s shingles vaccine announcement for failing to cover all seniors and vulnerable individuals. He says the Liberals commitment to coverage for some seniors only occurred because the Progressive Conservatives committed to full coverage.

“The Liberal government’s announcement on the shingles vaccine is another example of doing the bare minimum, just as we approach an election year,” said Petten. “For years, the Seniors’ Advocate has called for the shingles vaccine to be made available to seniors and immunocompromised individuals, but the Liberals refused to act. Now, after we committed to providing coverage for all seniors, the Liberals announced a half-hearted solution that leaves too many people behind.”

The Liberal plan covers individuals aged 65 to 70 and immunocompromised individuals over 70, leaving many seniors and vulnerable residents without access.

The Progressive Conservatives committed to full coverage, forcing the Liberals to act. The Progressive Conservative Caucus introduced a Private Members’ Resolution in the House of Assembly calling for free shingles vaccine coverage for all seniors and individuals with compromised immune systems, in line with longstanding recommendations from the Seniors’ Advocate.

“The Liberals are more focused on photo ops than on truly addressing the needs of Newfoundland and Labrador’s seniors and vulnerable populations,” added Petten. “The Seniors’ Advocate has been calling for full coverage since 2019. The Liberals' delayed action is a clear sign they are only responding now because of the upcoming election. It is unfortunate that it took pressure from our Party to force them into action.”

“Once again, we see the Liberals putting politics before people. What we need is a government that takes action to improve healthcare, lower taxes, and create safer communities for all of us.”