N.S. woman living in flood zone disappointed province refuses to fund hepatitis vaccines

A resident of Windsor, N.S., Jennifer Moore, is expressing her disappointment with the province’s decision not to fund hepatitis A and B vaccines for individuals exposed to raw sewage. Living on Stannus Street, Moore regularly faces the challenge of contaminated water flooding her property during heavy rainfall due to the town’s overwhelmed sewer system.

In 2024, during a severe flooding incident that affected various parts of the province, Moore had an unfortunate encounter with the polluted water while attempting to clear her basement and yard. Following the advice of a firefighter at the scene, Moore consulted her doctor regarding the necessity of vaccination. While she received a tetanus shot free of charge, she had to pay $75 for each of the three doses of the combined hepatitis A and B vaccine, as she did not fall into the category of a “high-risk group.”

The Department of Health specifies that the vaccine is not publicly funded for adults unless they have specific conditions or behaviors, such as HIV, chronic liver disease, high-risk sexual practices, substance misuse, or if they are men who have sex with men. Despite Moore’s efforts to advocate for coverage of the vaccine costs for individuals repeatedly exposed to flooding, the department declined to modify its vaccination program to accommodate this demographic.

In response to Moore’s request, Tara Walsh, senior executive director of Public Health and the Department of Health and Wellness, highlighted various factors considered when assessing the risk of infections from floodwater. While acknowledging that floodwater exposure poses a low risk for contracting hepatitis, Moore and her neighbors remain concerned about the long-term health consequences of residing in a flood-prone area.

Alicia Hennessey, Moore’s neighbor, shares similar apprehensions about the impact of living in a flood zone and emphasizes the need for a comprehensive solution to address the town’s sewer and stormwater system challenges. Reports have indicated that the required system overhaul could cost approximately $200 million, with ongoing discussions between residents and municipal council awaiting the results of a study to determine the next steps.

Despite the prolonged wait for resolution, Moore remains steadfast in her advocacy for the province to cover the expenses of hepatitis vaccines for affected individuals. As they continue to navigate the challenges posed by the inadequate infrastructure, Moore and her neighbors are hopeful for a timely resolution to improve their living conditions and ensure their health and well-being.