Today, McKesson Canada’s retail banner group pharmacies, including Guardian, I.D.A, Remedy'sRx and The Medicine Shoppe launched their annual flu shot campaign.

 “Our independently owned community pharmacies are ready to deliver the flu vaccine to Canadians who wish to protect themselves and their loved ones,” said Smita Patil, Vice-President of Retail Member Relations and Professional Affairs, McKesson Canada. “Canadians should feel assured knowing their local pharmacist will be able to provide flu shots with high quality care, knowledge, and a safe environment that prioritizes the health and well-being of patients.”

Every year, tens of thousands of Canadians get sick with the flu. While most people will recover after contracting the flu, it can be life-threating for people at high risk such as children, seniors, and those with chronic health conditions.

Getting vaccinated against the flu every year is an important part of keeping Canadians healthy. The vaccine not only protects individuals against some strains of the virus, but also reduces the severity of symptoms for those who do get the flu.  It takes a community to prevent the spread of influenza and for about every 20 people that get a vaccine, one case is prevented.

Mississauga, ON, October 18, 2021 — Today, McKesson Canada’s retail banner group pharmacies, including Guardian®, I.D.A®, Remedy'sRx® and The Medicine Shoppe® launched their annual flu shot campaign.

“Our independently owned community pharmacies are at the ready, more than ever following a successful COVID-19 vaccination campaign, to deliver the flu vaccine to Canadians who wish to protect themselves and their loved ones,” said Elyse Desmeules Vice-President of Member and Retail Pharmacy Services, McKesson Canada. “Canadians should feel assured knowing their local pharmacist will be able to provide flu shots with high quality care, knowledge, and a safe environment that prioritizes the health and well-being of patients.”

Every year, tens of thousands of Canadians get sick with the flu, putting extra pressure on hospitals and health care systems across the country, which have been strained by the COVID-19 pandemic. While most people will recover after contracting the flu, it can be life-threating for people at high risk such as children, seniors, and those with chronic health conditions.

McKesson Canada's banner pharmacies are introducing safety measures to ensure patients feel safe and secure when receiving their flu shot. Depending on participating locations, this may include appointment scheduling, increased sanitation measures and hand sanitizing stations. Local guidelines implemented to protect the public against COVID-19 will also continue to be adhered to, including physical distancing, reduced store capacity and the wearing of face masks or coverings.

Industry-leading partnership with Auxita simplifies the specialty patient journey

MISSISSAUGA, ON, June 16, 2021 /CNW/ - Today, McKesson Canada is pleased to announce Canada's most robust set of integrated digital solutions intended to enhance specialty physicians' ability to support their patients through their entire healthcare journey. This initiative builds on our ongoing efforts to provide better digital offerings for Canadians.

Enhanced health and safety measures implemented to keep patients and employees protected during flu season

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Oct. 5, 2020 /CNW/ - Today, McKesson Canada's Retail Banner Group, which includes pharmacies under Guardian®, IDA®, Remedy's Rx® and The Medicine Shoppe® banners, are launching their annual flu shot campaign.

"Community pharmacists play an integral role in our healthcare system, forming a critical part in the fight against the spread of communicable diseases," said George Jeffrey, Senior Vice-President, Retail Banner Group, McKesson Canada.  "This year, McKesson Canada's banner pharmacies are introducing safety measures in addition to COVID-19 health and safety protocols, to ensure patients feel secure when receiving their flu shot."

It is widely anticipated that this year, there will be significant demand for the flu shot, as Canadians actively do their part to protect themselves and their loved ones this flu season. Guardian®, IDA®, Remedy's Rx® and The Medicine Shoppe® are implementing several new tools to help facilitate an easier, more efficient and safe flu shot process this year, including:

• Appointment scheduling*
• Flu best practices during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as social distancing, personal protective equipment, capacity limits and disinfection during flu immunization;
• Enhanced pharmacist education through webinars on best practices;
• QR code accessible electronic flu consent forms*

*in participating pharmacies only

The flu shot protects individuals against some strains of influenza virus and can be passed on before showing symptoms. This increases the likelihood of patients requiring physician office visits, potential hospital stays or in some cases, death. Getting vaccinated against the flu every year is an important part of keeping Canadians healthy. Contact your local community pharmacist today to schedule your free flu vaccine.

McKesson Canada supports Government of Ontario decision to allow COVID-19 testing in pharmacies

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Sept. 23, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ - As the fight against COVID-19 continues, select Rexall and McKesson Canada's Retail Banner Group (Guardian®, IDA®, the Medicine Shoppe®, Remedy's Rx®) Ontario pharmacies will begin providing COVID-19 testing for asymptomatic individuals. In order to protect the health and safety of customers, patients and employees, COVID-19 testing within pharmacies must be made through appointment only.

"Pharmacists are increasingly taking on expanded roles in the Canadian healthcare system, while being recognized as essential partners in care delivery," said Rebecca McKillican, CEO, McKesson Canada. "We welcome today's news from the Government of Ontario, instilling confidence in our pharmacists as they continually step up on the frontlines to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our communities."

McKesson Canada is currently supporting COVID-19 testing for asymptomatic patients in Alberta, where IDA®, Guardian®, Remedy's Rx®, the Medicine Shoppe® and Rexall® pharmacies were early adopters as part of the province's original pilot program. McKesson Canada's network of participating pharmacies have conducted thousands of tests to date, and will use the training, tools, and supports developed to ensure best practices are implemented in Ontario.  

"Community pharmacists are proud to be supporting the province's efforts in the fight against COVID-19," continued McKillican. "Increasing the availability of testing is an important step to protect families, loved ones, and the people we encounter on a daily basis."