Ontario Health Minister helps kick off Ontario's flu shot campaign at Rexall Pharma Plus

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — Ontario Health Minister Deb Matthews on Monday received her flu shot from a Rexall Pharma Plus pharmacist, kicking off the annual Ontario flu vaccination campaign.



“Getting a flu shot for Ontarians will be as easy as visiting any Rexall Pharma Plus pharmacy,” stated Frank Scorpiniti, CEO of Rexall Pharma Plus. “With over 250 locations and 700 certified pharmacists in Ontario, Rexall Pharma Plus makes it easy to receive flu shots any time, any day, no appointment needed.”



As Ontarians gear up for another flu season, they are also ready to embrace this new offering. A recent survey commissioned by Rexall Pharma Plus found that 69% of Ontarians say that they would be equally or more likely to get a flu shot at a local pharmacy if they could.



“Today’s announcement highlights the value community pharmacy brings to improving convenient access to health care for Canadians,” Scorpiniti added. “The flu immunization program is an example of collaboration between community pharmacy and government, resulting in improved access, healthier communities and overall healthcare cost mitigation.”



According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, the flu affects 5% to 10% of Canadians each year. While the majority who become sick do recover, the flu results in an average of 20,000 hospitalizations and 4,000 to 8,000 deaths in Canada each year, the company stated.



Rexall Pharma Plus will offer flu shots in any store, any time, no appointment needed across Ontario when the flu vaccine becomes available from Public Health Ontario. Flu shots in pharmacies are available to all Ontarians over the age of 5 years old.