Get your flu shot from a pharmacist

VANCOUVER, Oct. 26 /CNW/ - As British Columbians get ready for flu season, the BC Pharmacy Association is reminding patients that they can get their seasonal vaccination from their pharmacist.

Hundreds of pharmacists across the province are trained and authorized to give injections, with many stepping up to help during last fall's H1N1 pandemic.

"Last year B.C. pharmacists administered more than 27,000 H1N1 and seasonal flu shots," says Parkash Ragsdale, Deputy CEO and Director of Professional Services at the Association.

"With even more pharmacists authorized to give flu shots this year it has never been easier to get protected."

There are currently more than 800 pharmacists authorized to administer injections, offering publicly funded vaccine for eligible patients.

Ragsdale adds: "Our advice to anyone wanting a flu shot is to call their pharmacist and ask if they are authorized to administer injections, or visit the online Flu Clinic Locator."

The Flu Clinic Locator is an online tool that allows members of the public to search for pharmacies and clinics that are offering seasonal flu shots (details below).

B.C. pharmacists were granted authority to administer injections in October last year. More pharmacists are expected to be authorized this flu season, with many being trained through the BC Pharmacy Association's Accredited Administration of Injections Training Program.

To interview an authorized pharmacist in your area please contact the BC Pharmacy Association.

Notes to editors:

1. ImmunizeBC's Flu Clinic Locator is available at http://www.health.gov.bc.ca/flu/.

2. BCPhA represents more than 2,300 pharmacists and 720 pharmacies in B.C. who provide trusted advice and accessible care to patients throughout British Columbia.

For further information:

Simon Briault, Manager of Communications: 604.269.2866/ [e-mail]