EDMONTON, Alberta — Rexall Pharma Plus is spotlighting convenient access to flu vaccinations, which are now available on a walk-in basis at its stores across Canada.
The drug chain said Monday that chief executive officer Frank Scorpiniti welcomed Alberta Health Minister Fred Horne to the Rexall store in Edmonton-Rutherford, where he received his flu shot from Rexall pharmacist Joanne Mah.
Publically funded flu shots are now available in Alberta, according to Rexall, which said that as supply becomes available via public health units, publically funded flu vaccines will be offered at all of its 426 pharmacy locations.
"Pharmacies are the face of neighborhood health care that can provide quick and convenient access to services for patients, such as the flu shot. We know that easier access to vaccinations will improve immunizations rates in Canada. That’s why Rexall is making it as easy as possible for patients to get their flu shot at any of our stores, anytime, anyday and you don’t need an appointment," Scorpiniti said in a statement.
Rexall reported that, according to Health Canada, the flu affects 10% to 2% of Canadians annually and results in an average of 20,000 hospitalizations and 4,000 to 8,000 deaths in Canada each year.
"The expanded scope of services being provided by pharmacists, such as flu shots, can have a significant impact on the health and well-being of Canadians," Scorpiniti added. "It is also helping create more efficiencies in health care, keeping patients out of the emergency room and enabling physicians to concentrate on more serious health issues."
