If not for community pharmacists, many Nova Scotians would have had nowhere to turn for their primary health care needs during the pandemic. That’s one of the takeaways from a new research paper, ‘Community Pharmacists’ Expanding Role In Supporting Patients Before and During COVID-19: An Exploratory Qualitative Study.’ “I would say that we have proven […]
Don’t go to pharmacies for free rapid tests or symptomatic testing
Head of pharmacy association says people with COVID symptoms, or those who are close contacts, are showing up at pharmacies looking for tests or testing, and putting staff at risk.
Pharmacists across Nova Scotia are “very, very concerned” about the number of people exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms or are close contacts of positive cases showing up at pharmacies seeking free rapid tests. “We are very, very concerned. In the past four days, I’ve already seen four positive cases in our team members, and that’s just what […]
Demand is up for flu shots
A survey from Canadian Pharmacists Association found that 56% of Canadians plan on getting a flu shot this season. Meanwhile, a local pharmacist says there's already a waitlist for flu shots at her pharmacy.
Diane Harpell is a frontline pharmacist and owns Medicine Shoppe pharmacy on Baker Drive in Dartmouth. Harpell recalled that for the 2020-21 flu season, demand for flu shots was “through the roof.” During last year’s flu season, pharmacies in Nova Scotia gave about 204,ooo flu shots to patients. “There are huge opportunities for that to be […]
Pharmacists and COVID-19: new pressures, weaknesses in the drug supply, and increased dispensing fees
The Halifax Examiner is providing all COVID-19 coverage for free. Peter Jorna owns Scotia Pharmacy on Gottingen Street and Nova Scotia Pharmacy on Coburg Road in Halifax. His COVID-19 protocols for each store are a bit different. Jorna closed the interior of Scotia Pharmacy, but workers will deliver products at the door to customers, and […]