Shoppers Drug Mart now offering in-store flu screenings in Alberta

TORONTO — Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacists in Alberta can now offer flu screenings in store, a first for Canadian pharmacies.



"This is yet another way Shoppers Drug Mart is helping to relieve the pressures on the health care system by delivering new services to help improve the health of Canadians," said Ashley Davidson, an Edmonton-based Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacist owner. "I'm excited to be among the first pharmacists in Canada to offer this new on-the-spot flu screening tool to our customers and patients."



Patients can now get screened for influenza A or B using a new flu screening tool available exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart. Results are available 10 minutes after the screening is administered by the pharmacist, who takes a nose swab from the patient. The price for the flu screening is $25. In Alberta, many pharmacists now have additional prescribing authorization, which gives them the ability to prescribe treatment depending on the screening results and if appropriate for the patient.



"Early detection of influenza is a critical step in appropriately treating the flu, particularly in high risk populations," stated Amani Chehade, a Calgary-based Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacist owner.  "We are committed to improving the health and well being of our customers and patients — and on-the-spot flu screening is another tool we can use to achieve that goal."



According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, influenza cases result in approximately 12,000 hospitalizations, and on average, 3,500 deaths in Canada each year. This new tool will increase access for screening and treatment of the flu at each of the 147 Shoppers Drug Mart stores in Alberta.