Flu shot more important than ever: pharmacist
by CM Staff
Many pharmacies are booking appointments instead of the traditional walk-in model
Canadian Pharmacists Association (Canadian Pharmacists Association)
OTTAWA — As flu shots begin to arrive at pharmacies across Canada, the Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) wants patients to know that the experience will look a little different at the pharmacy this year.
Many pharmacies are booking appointments instead of the traditional walk-in model and have implemented new procedures to keep patients safe, including strict adherence to physical distancing, PPE usage, limits on the number of patients in the pharmacy and extra time allotted for pharmacy staff to clean and put on protective equipment.
“With the second wave surge in COVID-19 cases we are starting to see, getting your flu shot is more important than ever,” said Shelita Dattani, director, knowledge translation and practice development, CPhA, in a prepared statement. “In a normal year influenza puts a heavy strain on our health care system, so we need to do everything we can to reduce the spread of influenza—and the best defense we have is the flu shot.”
When heading to the pharmacy this year, here are a few things to remember:
- Before you visit:
- Always contact your pharmacy in advance
- Self-screen for COVID-19 before coming to the pharmacy
- When you arrive:
- Be prepared for screening before you enter the pharmacy
- Wear a mask; If you do not have a mask, the immunization can’t be given
- Wear loose clothing with short sleeves to allow easier access to immunization site
- Arrive on time, not early, to help maintain physical distancing at the pharmacy
- Limit the number of people going with you to 1 essential caregiver where required (e.g., a parent, or caregiver to an elderly patient); households can be immunized together
