Pharmacists say N.L. government lagging on flu shots

Pharmacists wonder why it's taking the Newfoundland and Labrador government so long to give approval to let them administer flu shots to the public.

Giving injections is part of a pharmacist's training, butthe health system in this province won't allow it.

The procedure is allowed inother Canadian provinces, with the exception of Newfoundland and Labradorand Quebec.

Pharmacists said it's time for governmentto make the move, adding negotiations with the government have dragged on for two yearsand there is another flu season on the way.

Pharmacists' Association of Newfoundland and Labrador executive director Stephen Reid said in the case of medications like the flu vaccine, it should be allowed, no matter what other health professionals think.

"It's not about turf protection. It's about increasing access, so we can stop the spread of the disease," he told CBC.

A spokesperson for the department of health saida decision is coming but would not specify when.

The first Canadian province to allow pharmacists to give the flu shot was Ontario, two years ago, and hasbeen hailed a success.

People liked the convenience, and the vaccination rate went up.

It's not about turf protection. It's about increasing access, so we can stop the spread of the disease.- Stephen Reid

The provincial government has announced the vaccine for the coming flu season will not bein until the end of October.

"We just had our AGM a couple of weeks ago, and there were about 40 or 50 people that came up to me and said, 'I get people coming in and saying, 'Can I get my flu shot?'"

Reid saidif pharmacists had been involved, the vaccine would be in the province.