Ontario pharmacists can now administer annual flu shots to help protect against the flu virus

Shoppers Drug Mart will offer flu vaccination clinics in more than 750 stores in Ontario and across Canada, making getting the flu shot even easier this year

TORONTO, Oct. 9, 2012 /CNW/ - Shoppers Drug Mart supports the Ontario government's announcement today expanding the scope of pharmacist's practice to include administering the flu shot. Under the new regulations, pharmacists in Ontario can now administer flu immunization by injection to a patient who is five years of age or older.

In anticipation of the new legislation, over 600 Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacists across the province have already completed their flu vaccination training and flu clinics are being offered in more than 460 stores to help Ontarians prepare for cold and flu season this year.

"Preparation is crucial to avoid getting the flu," says Dr. Dorian Lo, Shoppers Drug Mart Executive Vice-President, Pharmacy & Healthcare. "The provincial government's decision to expand the scope of practice for pharmacists and include them in the flu vaccination system is an important step in helping to make flu vaccinations more accessible for Ontarians."

Starting October 15, 2012 Canadians wondering where to get the flu shot can simply go to www.shoppersdrugmart.ca to find their local Shoppers Drug Mart offering flu vaccinations.  As front-line health care providers with convenient store locations and extended hours, Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacists have the ability to provide Ontarians with flu vaccinations at convenient times in a comfortable setting.

"Local pharmacists can play an active role in keeping Canadians healthy and are available to answer patients' questions about the flu virus, and provide personal advice on how to protect against it," says Victor Wong, Shoppers Drug Mart Associate-owner and pharmacist. "Being able to administer the flu shot means that pharmacists are in a better position to provide the best care to patients."

Every year there are new strains of influenza and new flu vaccines are developed to protect against them, which is why it's important to get your flu shot every year. According to Health Canada, anywhere from 10% to 25% of Canadians come down with the seasonal flu virus each year.

About Shoppers Drug Mart Corporation

Shoppers Drug Mart Corporation is one of the most recognized and trusted names in Canadian retailing.  The Company is the licensor of full-service retail drug stores operating under the name Shoppers Drug Mart (Pharmaprix in Québec).  With more than 1,215 Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix stores operating in prime locations in each province and two territories, the Company is one of the most convenient retailers in Canada.  The Company also licenses or owns 56 medical clinic pharmacies operating under the name Shoppers Simply Pharmacy (Pharmaprix Simplement Santé in Québec) and six luxury beauty destinations operating as Murale.  As well, the Company owns and operates 63 Shoppers Home Health Care stores, making it the largest Canadian retailer of home health care products and services.  In addition to its retail store network, the Company owns Shoppers Drug Mart Specialty Health Network Inc., a provider of specialty drug distribution, pharmacy and comprehensive patient support services, and MediSystem Technologies Inc., a provider of pharmaceutical products and services to long-term care facilities.

SOURCE: Shoppers Drug Mart Corporation

Tammy Smitham
Shoppers Drug Mart
416-490-2892
[email protected]

Alison O'Mahony / Julia Dyck
Environics Communications
416-969-2745 / 416-969-2787
[email protected] / [email protected]