NEWSWORTHY

Act locally, vaccinate globally
For every flu shot given at select Pharmasave stores during the 2017 / 2018 flu season, a lifesaving vaccine will be donated to UNICEF through I Boost Immunity. Vaccines keep children alive and healthy by protecting them against disease. However, according to UNICEF, in 2015, nearly one in five infants –19.4 million children – did not receive the basic vaccines they need to stay healthy. By supporting I Boost Immunity (IBI) on this global initiative, select Pharmasave stores and their communities can help save vulnerable children’s lives, simply by getting a flu shot this year.

Getting a flu vaccination at a pharmacy provides a convenient and fast way for individuals to get their annual flu shot and protect themselves and their families from the seasonal virus. Allison Nourse, RPh, Pharmasave’s National Director of Pharmacy Innovation, says, “By getting the shot as early in the season as possible – individuals can better protect themselves and others and avoid missing work, school or having complications or hospital visits. It’s also a great opportunity for select Pharmasave stores and their customers to contribute to the health of vulnerable children around the world through the I Boost Immunity vaccine donation campaign.”

The flu virus generally strikes each year in late fall and winter, and causes sudden fever, coughing, muscle aches, headache and fatigue, among other symptoms. Children may also experience vomiting and diarrhea.

Most people with the flu recover within a week or ten days. However, seniors, very young children and people with chronic health conditions are considered high risk for serious complications such as pneumonia or a worsening of an existing health condition.

Health Canada recommends all Canadians get the annual flu vaccine to protect themselves and those around them, especially those at high risk. Families with young children should call their neighbourhood Pharmasave ahead of time to enquire about vaccination.

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About Pharmasave:
With more than 650 stores across Canada, Pharmasave is one of Canada’s leading independent community pharmacies. Since being founded in 1981, Pharmasave has focused on building a national platform of community-based retail outlets designed to provide exceptional patient-centred healthcare, medication advice, drug store products and customer service. Pharmasave continues to differentiate itself through leading-edge digital solutions. Patients can access everyday tools to manage their health in ways that are simple to set up and easy to maintain with eCare@Pharmasave. This suite of interactive solutions enables patients to engage digitally with their pharmacy and empowers them with mobile refills, medication reminders and so much more. Each Pharmasave store operates independently to serve its individual community, tailoring both programs and services to the unique needs of customers and reinforcing the commitment to help all customers live well with Pharmasave.

For more information, contact:
Media Relations
Pharmasave Drugs (National) Ltd.
604-455-2455
info@bc.pharmasave.ca