The opposition member for Baie Verte-White Bay says government missed an opportunity by not extending free shingles vaccine to all seniors.

Lin Paddock raised the matter during budget debate in the House of Assembly.

The provincial government has introduced the immunization program for seniors between the ages of 65 and 70, and for seniors over the age of 70 who are immunocompromised.

The virus that causes shingles lies dormant in everyone who was ever infected with the chicken pox, only to emerge later in life causing pain and, in some cases, serious complications.

Paddock says why the vaccination program is being limited in such a way is a “missed opportunity.”

He calls it “another example of dong the bare minimum just as we approach an election year.”