Help keep busy pharmacists and yourself safe

Demand for services and medication at pharmacies is high, and in order to serve the public the Alberta College of Pharmacy is providing some advice.

If you are feeling ill, have flu-like symptoms, fever, cough or shortness of breath do not go to your pharmacy for advice or medication. Call Health Link 811.

If you need information about medications or would like a prescription renewed please call your pharmacy first. This will help to limit the spread of illness and allow the pharmacy to prepare what you need in advance and limit how long you need to be there to pick it up.

If you are not well discuss this on the telephone with your pharmacy in case delivery of medication needs to be arranged.

When you do go to your pharmacy please practise social distancing. Try to keep a distance of two metres between you and anyone else at all times.

“Most importantly, practice this at the pharmacy counter. Allow space between you and your pharmacy team members, and provide additional space so that a degree of confidentiality can be respected for patients in front of you when they are engaging with their pharmacy team member,” says the college of pharmacy.

The Alberta government recently announced a 30-day maximum supply of prescription drugs to ensure that the supply can flow to meet the demand. This will mean having to renew prescriptions more frequently.

Those with Alberta government-sponsored Coverage for Seniors and Non-Group Coverage will pay a lower copayment of up to $8 per prescription for a 30-day supply. The current copayment is up to $25 per prescription. Albertans with other coverage should consult with their benefits provider.