Pharmacists in New Brunswick are authorized to assess and prescribe for over 30 common conditions (also known as minor ailments), which are typically short-term afflictions that don't need lab or blood testing. Pharmacists can also administer a variety of vaccinations. Some of these pharmacy services are funded by the provincial government (i.e. covered by Medicare), while more are not.
Medicare covers the cost of pharmacy assessments of the following conditions and vaccine administration for eligible residents. The only cost to the patient is any medication or treatment prescribed:
- Acne (mild)
- Cold sores (herpes labialis)
- Contact allergic dermatitis (allergic rash)
- Contraception management
- Eczema (mild to moderate)
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Impetigo
- Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
- Prescription renewals
- Shingles (herpes zoster)
- Tick bites (Lyme disease prophylaxis)
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
- COVID-19 vaccine
- Influenza vaccine (i.e. the flu shot) for ages 2+
- Pneumococcal vaccine for ages 65+
Patients can access pharmacist care for other conditions, however, there may be a fee for assessment of their condition, in addition to the cost of any medication, treatment, or vaccine prescribed. Find more details about available pharmacy services and eligibility requirements on the Assess and Treat Minor Ailments page. Find more details about other vaccines available in community pharmacies on the Flu Shots and Vaccines page.
Pharmacist Care Clinics
Six Pharmacist Care Clinics around the province took part in a pilot project to increase access to primary health care for New Brunswickers. Learn more about the services available on the Pharmacist Care Clinics page.