Access streamlined health care with BC pharmacists

Many British Columbians are familiar with having to wait weeks or longer for doctor’s appointments, just to renew a medication or address a minor issue.

Fortunately, British Columbia (BC) pharmacists have recently been granted expanded scope of practice and can assist in reducing healthcare wait times for the above situations. As of June 2023, pharmacists can help reduce wait times by seeing patients with uncomplicated needs.  Pharmacists can:

• Renew or refill medication prescriptions
• Prescribe medications for 21 common ailments, including shingles, allergies, and heartburn
• Adapt prescriptions as needed, such as switching from a tablet to liquid form of medication
• Substitute existing medication with similar options covered by PharmaCare  
• Review your medication if you’ve filled five or more prescriptions in the past six months
• Access your prescription records history
• Administer common vaccines, including flu, shingles and measles
• Provide emergency supply of medication

All BC residents with a Personal Health Number can schedule an appointment with a pharmacist. The PharmaCare team has updated information sheets available in 15 languages to help more British Columbians understand PharmaCare coverage.  

Check your symptoms and book an appointment with a pharmacist at gov.bc.ca/SeeAPharmacist. Booking an appointment may not be necessary at all pharmacies.