MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — Ontario Health Minister Deb Matthews was the first patient to get a flu shot from a Rexall Pharma Plus pharmacist as the drug chain kicked off its annual Ontario flu vaccination campaign last month.

“Getting a flu shot for Ontarians will be as easy as visiting any Rexall Pharma Plus pharmacy,” Rexall Pharma Plus chief executive officer Frank Scorpiniti says. “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.”

Research shows that patients in the province are becoming more amenable to getting immunizations at their local drug store.

A recent survey commissioned by Rexall Pharma Plus found that 69% of Ontarians would be equally or more likely to get a flu shot at a local pharmacy if they could.

Scorpiniti says those findings highlight the value community pharmacy brings to improving convenient access to health care for Canadians.

“The flu immunization program is an example of collaboration between community pharmacy and government, resulting in improved access, healthier communities and overall health care cost mitigation,” he says.

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, the flu affects 5% to 10% of Canadians every year. While the majority who become sick do recover, influenza annually leads to 20,000 hospitalizations and 4,000 to 8,000 deaths across the country.

Rexall Pharma Plus is offering flu shots in all of its stores in Ontario. The flu vaccines are available to anyone over age 5. Patients do not need an appointment. Public Health Ontario is providing the chain with the vaccine.