Russell Pharmacy
110 Craig Street K4R 1A1 Russell, ON, Canada

As the holiday season approaches, we want to remind everyone that we are closed on statutory holidays, and will have shortened hours on Christmas Eve and New Years eve as follows: Thursday, December 24: 9-5 Christmas Day (December 25): CLOSED Sat, December 26: CLOSED... Thursday, December 31: 9-5 Friday, January 1st: CLOSED Saturday, January 2: regular hours 9-4 (Regular hours for all other days not specified) We want to thank everyone for all their support and patience this past year as we all dealt with this pandemic together. We are so proud and grateful to be part of such a caring community, and we wish everyone a healthy, and safe, holiday season (whatever you celebrate).

Tomorrow is Remembrance Day. We will be open regular hours, but will respect a minute of silence at 11am as a small gesture of remembrance and thanks for all those who have served, and those who still serve. Lest we forget. https://www.warmuseum.ca//aft/remembrance/remembrance-day/

****UPDATE***** A little update about flu shots. The ministry is allowing reorders of the flu vaccine this week. However, our wholesaler just informed us that their stock for flu vaccines has been depleted. So they are now awaiting shipments for distribution. This means that we will NOT be receiving any flu vaccines this week. Hopefully supply will start to return next week, as the manufacturers catch up with the demand. This year has been a bit challenging as there has been ...a much greater initial demand than in previous years. I have no doubt we will be getting more throughout the coming weeks, but I am not sure as to the timing. So please check back with us next week, and we will do our best to keep you up to date. We realize it is frustrating, but we are a small pharmacy with limited resources, and we greatly appreciate your patience. Stay safe!

We have started to receive our flu vaccines but the demand exceeds our current supply. But do not worry, the supply is steady, these are just the initial shipments. We anticipate ongoing shipments throughout the month, and we should be able to accommodate most people. If we are all out of vaccines we will not schedule the appointment until we receive more. So please call us back at a later time, and we will schedule you as our stock arrives. HOWEVER, the demand for the high dose seniors vaccine has far exceeded our stock, and we have started a wait list for those who qualify for the high dose (>65 years of age). We recommend you contact your doctors office to see if they have received their supply.

We anticipate the first shipments of our flu vaccines sometime this week or next week. Please call us back later this week to see if stock has arrived. We can hopefully begin scheduling appointments for next week!! This year we will try our best to have online consent forms available, so when booking your appointment, please be aware that we will be collecting email addresses in order to provide our online consent and screening tool. Paper forms will also be available, but ...individuals will be asked to fill them out prior to arrival at the pharmacy. Thank you so much for your patience and cooperation this year. It’s been a long haul with this COVID stuff, but we have the best customers out there!

Flu season is just around the corner, and we have already been getting questions about flu vaccines. We don’t have all the information yet, but we anticipate deliveries in October. This year will look a little different as we will not be doing walk-ins. Flu shots will be by appointment only on Wednesdays and Thursdays to allow for physical distancing between patients and to allow for proper cleaning in between patients. ... Call the pharmacy In October for more information or check back here for updates as we get them. Stay safe!

I’ve had a lot of questions about masks lately. So to answer some questions, the masks we wear in public are meant to protect other people from the wearer. It does not filter particles in an effort to protect the wearer. THAT is why cloth (cotton) masks are permissible AND recommended. They stop the wearer from exhaling respiratory droplets full of onto other people and surfaces. The N95 masks are meant to filter particles and protect the wearer. But the point of the recomm...endation from public health is to stop the spread of our to other people. So the N95 masks with the one way valves are NOT what is recommended. **ALSO** Please note that in order for an N95 mask to properly protect the wearer, they have to be properly fitted to each individual wearer by someone trained to fit them. So most people are wearing them incorrectly. However, if you have been properly fitted with an N95 mask without a one way valve, that IS an appropriate face covering. https://www.healthline.com//certain-type-n95-mask-harm-cov

Ive had a lot of questions about masks lately. So to answer some questions, the masks we wear in public are meant to protect other people from the wearer. It does not filter particles in an effort to protect the wearer. THAT is why cloth (cotton) masks are permissible AND recommended. They stop the wearer from exhaling respiratory droplets full of onto other people and surfaces. The N95 masks are meant to filter particles and protect the wearer. But the point of the recomm...endation from public health is to stop the spread of our to other people. So the N95 masks with the one way valves are NOT what is recommended. **ALSO** Please note that in order for an N95 mask to properly protect the wearer, they have to be properly fitted to each individual wearer by someone trained to fit them. So most people are wearing them incorrectly. However, if you have been properly fitted with an N95 mask without a one way valve, that IS an appropriate face covering. https://www.healthline.com//certain-type-n95-mask-harm-cov

Come check out the lovely new line of genuine leather bracelets we just got in!

As restrictions begin to lift, we need to remember why we had restrictions in the first place. While life needs to return to a semblance of normal, please always keep our vulnerable population in mind. Remember to always wash your hands, use sanitizer when hand washing is unavailable, and practice physical distancing, or wear a mask when physical distancing is not possible. Stay safe everyone!

****Edit**** We now have a variety of small and m/l childrens reuseable cloth masks available for purchase.

Hello all! Public health offices in the Champlain region have made a joint statement on mandatory masks in indoor spaces. As such, we respectfully ask that all individuals please wear a mask upon entry to our pharmacy, unless an underlying condition prohibits you from doing so. If you are uncomfortable entering the pharmacy, we are always able to bring your medications to your car.... Stay safe! https://eohu.ca/en/article/2020-07-06

We hope everyone has a happy and safe Canada day. We will be closed on Canada Day, but will reopen on Thursday, July 2nd for regular hours. O Canada, our home and native land

Its official!!! The 30 day limit will be lifted as of Monday, June 15th. There are still some issues with certain medications, but so far, the supply chain has been deemed stable! https://toronto.ctvnews.ca//ontario-to-lift-30-day-limit-o

As the world moves ahead in this pandemic, guidelines and restrictions are changing. In the coming month, it appears we will likely be allowed to go back to a standard dispensing quantity of up to 3 months. Fingers crossed that everything stays on track. We thank everyone for their patience and understanding during this frustrating and difficult time. https://beta.ctvnews.ca/loc/toronto/2020/5//1_4962341.html

Canadas new self assessment tool for COVID-19 https://ca.thrive.health/covid19/en

To lighten the mood, let me introduce you to our new family dog, Einstein. I hope everyone is keeping their spirits up, and protecting your mental health. While things are quite serious, we can still take this time to enjoy being with our families. 10 years from now, hopefully we can look back at it and say that we got to have some good quality time with our families. Lets all do our parts to protect our vulnerable loved ones. Be safe everyone.

*******Update******* Due to the evolving situation, we will be implementing some new temporary procedures for everyones safety: 1. Only 3 customers in the pharmacy at one time. When in the pharmacy, please allow 2 meters in between individuals.... 2. We will temporarily be suspending all paid routine vaccination services from the pharmacist. 3. Please whenever possible, try to pay with pay pass (using debit or credit) to avoid contact with surfaces (for your safety, and for the safety of our employees). 4. Whenever possible, PLEASE try to call ahead for refills, and we can deliver medications to your car when you arrive if you notify us by phone: 613-445-5555

The ministry of health would like us to implement a drug supply limit of 30 days going forward. This is to help alleviate the strain on the supply chain, as demand increases due to the pandemic. While I understand that this is frustrating for some, it is to ensure adequate supply for ALL patients. Please bear with us as we do our best to make sure your medication needs are met.

Our hours of operation are remaining the same for the time being. If you are feeling unwell please call the pharmacy before coming in. If you are unable to make it in due to isolation or quarantine measures, do not worry, we will deliver to your doorstep. As the situation evolves we will adjust our policies to best manage your needs, and to keep everyone as safe as possible.

In this time of uncertainty, I just want to reiterate that the measures put into place are for containment and prevention. The majority of individuals who contract the virus have MILD symptoms. Lets be respectful of others, and mindful of individuals who are more at risk of severe complications (elderly, immunocompromised, etc). It is not necessary to fill more than 3 months of your medications, and it is not advisable, as this will grossly impact the availability of medicat...ions for others. If you are not due for your renewal, we will most likely be unable to fill it. The supply chain is steady, and wholesalers have made adjustments to prevent pharmacies from stockpiling medications. Please mind the warnings of public health officials and practice social distancing measures as much as possible. Refer to the link below if you feel you may have contracted COVID-19. As always, call us with your questions and we will do our best to advise you to the best of our capabilities.

A lot of people are still saying that the world is over reacting... I saw a post the other day that really put it into perspective. When we look back at this moment in time years from now, and we can say nothing even happened....thats the whole point. On another note, we offer delivery of medications for those who are unable to leave the house. And we can often fill prescriptions for up to 3 months. Just give us a call with your questions.... (Also, dont hoard toilet paper...)

Now is the time to avoid nonessential travel to help limit the spread to others. Be careful. Dont panic. But take the warnings seriously. If we dont adjust our behaviours as warned, the speed at which the virus spreads could overwhelm our hospitals as we have seen in Italy.

I dont want people to panic. But please exercise precaution when travelling or returning from holidays. Our senior population is most at risk, and preventative measures are extremely important. Proper hand washing, and efforts of self isolation If you suspect you may have been in contact with someone who was infected are extremely important. Please avoid attending events with crowds if you have been away, or are feeling unwell (this applies to any illness really). Dont panic. Be prepared.

An innovative skin patch developed by researchers at the University of Toronto has the potential to prevent low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) in people with diabetes.

Do not be alarmed. If you fill your metformin at our pharmacy, we do not use this particular brand. If the recall is expanded, we will do our best to update and inform patients.

Thinking of quitting smoking?

If you have to go outside, act like a certain flightless bird. Avoid falls Knees relaxed Toes pointed out Short steps ... Slow and deliberate Hands free See more

Hope everyone is ready for the holidays!! Our holiday ours are as follows: December 24th 9-5 December 25 closed... December 26 closed December 27 9-7 December 28 9-4 Sunday closed December 30 9-7 December 31 9-5 January 1st closed Hope everyone has a happy and safe holiday season!!

Fingers crossed!

Drug shortages are no joke.

Flu season is here. And flu shots will be available at the pharmacy in the coming weeks. If you are over 65, some doctors will already have some supply in to offer you the high dose flu immunization. Stay tuned for more info! ... https://www.opatoday.com///Tips/Flu_Shot_Poster_8.5x11.pdf

Wild parsnip is spreading. Make sure your kids (and you yourself) are able to identify it so that you may avoid it. http://ottawacitizen.com//child-burned-by-wild-parsnip-as-

Happy Canada day weekend everyone! We will be closed for Canada day, but we will reopen Tuesday, July 2nd! Have a safe and happy Canada day! Dont forget to check for ticks after time spent outdoors!

Hillary McKibbin is a kindergarten student at St. Leonard (Manotick) who has been diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia which left untreated can be fatal. She needs a ...bone marrow donor to save her life. There is a registry event next Monday, June 24 from 3 to 7 pm at St. Francis Xavier High School in Riverside South. It takes 10 minutes to register and someone could potentially save the life of Hillary or 800 other people in Canada waiting for a transplant. They are looking for people between 17 and 35. For more info: http://startwithhillary.ca/ #StartWithHillary #GetSwabbed

Its mosquito season (deer fly, black fly and tick season as well). As such, we have been getting a lot of questions about repellents. As always, the recommendations are to wear loose, light coloured clothing that covers most of your body (if possible). Exposed skin can be protected with topical insect repellents. ... I personally use Icaridin 20% products (which we carry at the pharmacy). It is as effective as DEET, but does not have the same oily/greasy feel, or odour as DEET. A bonus is that it does not need to be applied as frequently. One application of Icaridin 20% can last up to 10 hours. Which is ideal for young children (>6 months). Deet containing products are still effective, but needs to be applied more frequently (depending on the percentage), and should not be used in concentrations over 10% in kids <12. Children less than 2 should also not have DEET containing repellents applied more than once daily. So for children, DEET is not the best choice. For those interested in more natural repellents, lemon eucalyptus oil (10% or less) can be used to repel mosquitos and black flies (NOT effective against ticks) but only provides up to 2 hours of protection, and can be applied up to twice daily. Citronella Oil is also an option but only works against mosquitos for up to 2 hours, and should be avoided in young children. 2% soybean oil is also an effective alternative that has no age restriction, and can be applied as frequently as required. It will repel both mosquitos and black flies (but not Ticks). Natural products are not necessarily safer than DEET or icaridin containing products, and do NOT provide protection against Ticks. For more specifics on dose and application frequency give us a call.

https://nationvalleynews.com//yes-winchester-now-walk-urg/

Icaridin as a bug repellent works as well as deet, and does not need to be reapplied as often. It also does not have the same greasy feeling to it.