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With expanded prescribing and treatment abilities, more British Columbians are turning to pharmacies for accessible care for common ailments, immunizations, and symptom relief.

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COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations jump in B.C. as fall vaccine program gets underway

By Richmond Sentinel

Published 2:09 PDT, Tue October 10, 2023

Last Updated: 2:13 PDT, Tue October 10, 2023

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The latest data from the provinces' COVID-19 Situation Report underscores the importance of staying up to date with this year's recommended vaccinations against the respiratory illnesses circulating this fall. In the reported eight-week period ending September 30, the number of weekly COVID-19 cases increased over 500 per cent, from 133 to 877. Hospitalizations are also on the rise in the province. Between Sept. 21 and Oct. 5, the number of hospitalized patients jumped 58 per cent (from 267 to 422).

While COVID cases are already on the rise this year, last year influenza-related primary care visits peaked between Nov. 27 and Dec.17. The combination of flu, COVID-19, and RSV circulating at the same time put significant pressure on emergency departments and healthcare providers in B.C. As the province's fall vaccination program gets underway, British Columbians are being urged to get their flu and COVID-19 vaccinations as soon as possible.

Christine Antler, pharmacist and the region director of pharmacy for Pharmasave, says that it takes about two weeks for the vaccines to provide full protection which is why it is important to get vaccinated early, even for healthy individuals.

"Making an early effort this fall to get vaccinated is a simple and effective way to help keep ourselves and our communities healthy while protecting the most vulnerable and reducing the potential strain on the healthcare system," explains Antler. "Seniors, infants, young children, pregnant people, and those who are immune-compromised or with chronic conditions are more vulnerable to serious respiratory illness, but even healthy individuals should make getting vaccinated a priority."

Influenza and COVID-19 immunizations are available at pharmacies starting on October 10, 2023. Both can be administered at the same time, in one appointment. Pharmacists can administer the influenza vaccine to patients over the age of four and the COVID-19 vaccine to anyone over the age of 12. The COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for individuals who have not had the vaccine or known infection in the past six months.

Pharmacists can provide guidance on recommended immunizations based on age, health status and vaccination history.

More than 1,000 British Columbians visiting pharmacies each day for common ailments

Antler anticipates increased demand for pharmacy-administered vaccinations this year. Now more than ever, British Columbians are turning to pharmacies for immunizations as well as accessible and convenient solutions to common health concerns. Between June 1, when the province granted B.C. pharmacists the authority to address and prescribe treatments for 21 common ailments, and Sept. 5, pharmacists conducted a total of 108,000 consultations for minor ailments and contraception services. That amounts to an average of 1,125 patients each day who may have previously needed to book a doctor's appointment, wait at a walk-in clinic, or visit urgent care or the ER.

"With the potential added pressures of the respiratory illnesses circulating this fall, visiting the pharmacy to be immunized and for common ailments, helps keep our communities healthy, while easing the burden on our healthcare system to ensure those services are available for those who need them most," explains Antler.

In addition to supporting British Columbians to take preventative measures like getting immunized, pharmacists are available to counsel patients regarding the safe use of over-the-counter medications for symptom relief and identify possible drug interactions and contraindications in patients with medical conditions or those taking prescription medications.

To learn more or to book an appointment for immunizations or common ailment consultations, patients can contact their local pharmacy.