When I turned 50, I saw my doctor for my annual check-up. I had one very important question: what happens in Ontario's health care when you turn the big 5-0?
My doctor told me only two things change:
- I can get a colonoscopy
- I can get the shingles vaccine
As a result of a certain blood clot on the brain, I actually got a colonoscopy when I was 49, so the only change for me was being eligible for the shingles vaccine. But, there's a catch... in Ontario, it's not covered by OHIP until you're 65. At 50, you either have a drug plan or you pay with your own cash.
I don't have a drug plan! Yes, it's true. My spouse opted out of her company's drug plan so each of the two shingles vaccinations would cost me ~$200. A small price to pay to not have to endure the pain of shingles.
So I went to Costco to fill my prescription for Shingrix and was asked if my doctor was injecting it. Apparently if I get the vaccine and have my doctor inject it, the injection costs me nothing, but there are strict refrigeration requirements. The last thing I need to to have that responsibility! So I asked if a pharmacist at Costco would just stick it in my arm.
For $12, a Costco pharmacist would happily inject this shingles vaccination into my arm, but I'd have to make an appointment for that. Considering I was already paying about 200 bucks for the vaccine, another $12 to get it in my body sounded fine, but there were no appointments to be had. So I ended up making an appointment for another day.
Shingrix is now inside my body and I'll have to get another shot in 2-6 months. And that colonoscopy I got in the summer of 2023? I got a 10-year pass. If you're looking for a preperation tip, I have two words for you: green Jello.
You're welcome.
