RELEVANT RESOURCES
For Your Information
Staying Healthy This Fall: Important Immunization Updates
October 2023 (published in the Kinmount Gazette)
As we approach the fall season, our community's health remains a paramount concern. With the arrival of colder weather, viruses and bacteria responsible for the common cold and flu circulate more vigorously from months October to March (commonly referred to as “cold and flu season”). Vaccination is a cornerstone of safeguarding our well-being, and I'm here to provide crucial updates on the upcoming fall immunization schedule, covering vaccinations for RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), influenza (flu), and Covid-19.
RSV Vaccination:
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is among the viruses that typically cause mild cold-like symptoms, but it can also lead to severe lung infections in infants and older adults. Importantly, it's possible to contract RSV multiple times in the same cold season. This year marks a significant development as (for the first time ever) we have a Health-Canada approved vaccine to protect against RSV.
For those at higher risk - such as individuals with conditions like heart disease, COPD, and diabetes - RSV vaccinations are crucial. Evidence suggests that a single dose of an RSV vaccine in patients aged 60 and older can reduce the likelihood of needing healthcare visits for RSV-related lung infections by approximately 85%. While most patients tolerate the vaccine well, some may experience side effects such as fever and body aches due to their body's immune system response. Please note that the publicly funded RSV vaccine program is currently only available to individuals aged 60 and older living in long-term care homes, Elder Care Lodges, and some retirement home residents.
Influenza Vaccines:
Influenza remains a significant health concern, and has been estimated to cause 12,000 cases of hospitalizations and 3,500 deaths each year in Canada. For those aged 65 and older, Fluzone High-Dose is the recommended vaccine, providing optimal protection. However, it's important not to wait if this specific vaccine is unavailable. Any of the available age- appropriate vaccines are effective. Finally, individuals with severe egg allergies can confidently receive any flu vaccine, as studies show no higher reaction rates compared to those without such allergies.
COVID-19 Vaccines:
While Covid-19 hospitalizations have been increasing lately, prior vaccinations and immunity have mitigated the impact compared to last year. However, protection can wane over time, and new variants continue to emerge. In response, updated Covid-19 vaccines are on the horizon, with Moderna's SPIKEVAX XBB Covid-19 vaccine expected to arrive soon, offering improved protection against the prevalent Omicron XBB variant.
We anticipate more guidance from the Ontario government in the coming weeks. In the meantime, your health and well-being are our top priorities. Please reach out to us at Coby Pharmacy for the latest information on immunizations, eligibility, and scheduling. Let's work together to protect our community and ensure a healthy fall season for all.
By: Sam Iskandar (owner/pharmacist)
Navigating the Challenges of Rising Living Costs: Tips for Medications Cost Savings
September 2023 (published in the Kinmount Gazette)
As the grip of inflation tightens on all our household budgets, the burden of medication costs is felt by many now more than ever. As a pharmacist devoted to our community's health, I'm committed to helping you discover effective ways to manage these expenses while still maintaining your well-being.
For seniors in our community, the Ontario Drug Benefits (ODB) program is a lifeline. Once you reach 65 years of age as a Canadian citizen, you automatically qualify to have your eligible prescription medications covered by the ODB, without any need to apply. Furthermore, if your household income falls below a certain threshold, you are eligible to apply to have your yearly ODB deductible waived to $0. You can also be eligible to have your ODB copay reduced to $2.00 per prescription, which is then discounted further to $0 by many pharmacies, including here at (Coby) Pharmacy. In 2023, the threshold for seniors living alone is $22,200 or below, while those living with a spouse is $37,100 or below. Feel free to contact us here at (Coby) Pharmacy to find out how you can apply for this program.
The Trillium Drug Program, an integral part of ODB, is a potentially helpful program for anyone who is without a private drug insurance plan through their employer. Irrespective of age or background, everyone is eligible to benefit from this program, which bridges the financial gap between prescription costs and the ability to pay. The rule of thumb is: if you pay 4% or more of your after-tax household income on your prescription-drug costs, then you’re likely to benefit from applying to this program. Contact us to explore the application process.
(Coby) Pharmacy also provides a variety of additional programs tailored to curbing medication costs. One such program is our “Seniors Discount (Thursdays)”, where seniors over 60 years of age can enjoy a 20% discount on over-the-counter products at our location (some restrictions may apply). We are also in touch with several pharmaceutical companies in order to provide “compassionate care” coverage to those who are prescribed expensive medications that are hard to pay for. This is just a few of the steps we're taking to help support our community's health and finances. Please setup an appointment with me, Sam, directly to see which program is available to assist your financial situation.
In this challenging economic climate, being proactive is key. I encourage members of our community, especially our seniors, to explore these avenues of assistance. Let's work together to ensure that your health remains a priority, even in the face of economic uncertainty. With knowledge and collaboration, we can navigate through this path to financial relief, without compromising your well-being.
By: Sam Iskandar (pharmacist/owner)
Navigating the Challenges of Rising Living Costs: Tips for Medications Cost Savings
August 2023 (published in the Kinmount Gazette)
As the grip of inflation tightens on all our household budgets, the burden of medication costs is felt by many now more than ever. As a pharmacist devoted to our community's health, I'm committed to helping you discover effective ways to manage these expenses while still maintaining your well-being.
For seniors in our community, the Ontario Drug Benefits (ODB) program is a lifeline. Once you reach 65 years of age as a Canadian citizen, you automatically qualify to have your eligible prescription medications covered by the ODB, without any need to apply. Furthermore, if your household income falls below a certain threshold, you are eligible to apply to have your yearly ODB deductible waived to $0. You can also be eligible to have your ODB copay reduced to $2.00 per prescription, which is then discounted further to $0 by many pharmacies, including here at (Coby) Pharmacy. In 2023, the threshold for seniors living alone is $22,200 or below, while those living with a spouse is $37,100 or below. Feel free to contact us here at (Coby) Pharmacy to find out how you can apply for this program.
The Trillium Drug Program, an integral part of ODB, is a potentially helpful program for anyone who is without a private drug insurance plan through their employer. Irrespective of age or background, everyone is eligible to benefit from this program, which bridges the financial gap between prescription costs and the ability to pay. The rule of thumb is: if you pay 4% or more of your after-tax household income on your prescription-drug costs, then you’re likely to benefit from applying to this program. Contact us to explore the application process.
(Coby) Pharmacy also provides a variety of additional programs tailored to curbing medication costs. One such program is our “Seniors Discount Tuesdays”, where seniors over 60 years of age can enjoy a 20% discount on over-the-counter products at our location (some restrictions may apply). We are also in touch with several pharmaceutical companies in order to provide “compassionate care” coverage to those who are prescribed expensive medications that are hard to pay for. This is just a few of the steps we're taking to help support our community's health and finances. Please setup an appointment with me, Sam, directly to see which program is available to assist your financial situation.
In this challenging economic climate, being proactive is key. I encourage members of our community, especially our seniors, to explore these avenues of assistance. Let's work together to ensure that your health remains a priority, even in the face of economic uncertainty. With knowledge and collaboration, we can navigate through this path to financial relief, without compromising your well-being.
By: Sam Iskandar (pharmacist/owner)