Media Information / Media Kit

On March 16, 2021 public statements suggested that it would take several weeks for community pharmacists to be ready to administer COVID vaccines once government has confirmed they will be part of the roll-out program. It was also suggested that the government and public health were not engaged in discussions with community pharmacists. The BC Pharmacy Association (BCPhA) wants to assure British Columbians that pharmacists across the province are ready to participate in this most important vaccination program. We are in ongoing discussions with the government about how community pharmacies can...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (March 1, 2021) — B.C,’s community pharmacists join Premier John Horgan in recognizing the hard work by those responsible for managing the province’s pandemic response. At this morning’s announcement about the COVID-19 vaccine roll out plan, it is clear the Province’s priority remains immunizing those most at risk for severe disease. Under Minister of Health Adrian Dix’s and Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry’s direction, plans have been established for concluding facilities-based immunizations of B.C.’s seniors (Phase 1) and for starting community-based...

British Columbia’s community pharmacists were first given authority to administer vaccinations by injection in 2009 during the H1N1 pandemic. Pharmacists were integral to the province’s response to that pandemic. Since then pharmacists have played a key role in provincial immunization campaigns, notably the annual flu vaccination program. This year, B.C. pharmacists administered more than one million flu vaccines, and our pharmacists are widely recognized as having played an essential role in ensuring British Columbians were protected against the flu. B.C.’s COVID-19 vaccine program is...

More safety measures, pre-screening and appointment booking planned for protection against COVID-19 VANCOUVER (Sept. 16, 2020) — British Columbians planning to get their flu shot from pharmacies this fall should expect a different experience, as pharmacists are adding additional precautions to protect against COVID-19. Some of these changes will include the requirement at many pharmacies that you book an appointment for a flu shot well in advance, rather than walk-in. “With COVID-19, there’s an expectation that B.C. pharmacists will deliver more shots because of the increase in demand,” said...

Patients who have run out of their medication or need more, should call ahead to their regular pharmacy to determine whether a pharmacist can provide the additional supply.