Have you heard of these pharmacy services?
As we march into the fall season, many of us are thinking about getting flu shots or preparing for the sick season ahead. Did you know your local pharmacy offers a lot more than just prescriptions?
Phil Cowley shares some surprising services that you can access right at the pharmacy, from vaccines to wellness screenings.
Vaccinations: Beyond the Flu Shot
“There are so many shots you can get inside the pharmacy,” Phil said. Pharmacies have expanded their vaccination services significantly. You can walk in for a variety of vaccines without needing an appointment, making it incredibly convenient to stay up-to-date with your immunizations.
“It started out with flu shots and then during COVID, it went to COVID shots, but now you can get shingles, the RSV… there are so many,” Phil explained.
Quick and Easy Health Screenings
Pharmacies now offer a range of health screenings, and can prescribe medications for common ailments. “Strep tests, UTIs, yeast infections, cold sores—you can get antibiotics because they have agreements with other physicians,” Phil explained. This means you can get tested and treated for conditions like strep throat or UTIs without the hassle of a doctor’s visit.
Hormone and Gut Health Management
Pharmacies are stepping up to help with hormone levels and gut health issues. “There are a lot of pharmacies now that will help you manage those,” Phil said.
They offer tests for conditions like small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and can work with your doctor to adjust treatments quickly. “There’s a lot of tests they can do and then manage it one on one,” Phil said.
“Pharmacists are really good at hormones because they have to be changed all of the time,” Phil emphasized. “When you talk to the pharmacist, they’ll talk to your doctor and be able to switch your prescription really rapidly for you, rather than waiting to get back into the physician that takes a long period of time.”
Birth Control
Pharmacies are making it easier to access birth control. “The state of Utah will now allow for birth control prescriptions to be extended for an extra year,” Phil said. “They didn’t want patients to go without, so it’s one of those things that they’ve been looking at.”
Smoking Cessation
These services are designed to be accessible and supportive, helping you manage your health more effectively. “It’s one of the most enjoyable things that we do because there’s nothing better than helping somebody,” Phil said.
“The pharmacist will check with you. They’re right there to help you,” he emphasized.
Nutritional and Supplement Guidance
“We’ve been trained heavily in both nutrition, supplements, and the way that they interact with medications,” Phil explained. Pharmacists can provide personalized advice on supplements and nutrition, ensuring that what you’re taking is the best for your health. They can help you navigate the overwhelming amount of options and find what works best for you.
Specialized Care for Chronic Conditions
Pharmacies now offer specialized care for chronic conditions like diabetes and weight management. “There are diabetes specialists, and there are anticoagulant specialists, and there’s even weight loss specialists,” Phil emphasized. These services provide ongoing support and expert advice, making it easier to manage your health.
Convenient Physicals and Virtual Visits
Whether you need a physical for sports or a quick check-up, pharmacies are making it easier than ever to get the care you need. “A lot of pharmacies are now offering through apps and through virtual visits. On-site you can do even do athlete visits,” Phil detailed. Virtual visits and on-site services provide flexibility and convenience.
Saving Money on Medications
“Pharmacists know what everything costs and know what the alternatives are,” Phil said. Pharmacists can help you find ways to save on medications, from finding cheaper alternatives to accessing pharmaceutical company programs. This can make a significant difference in managing healthcare costs.
Find more advice from Phil on Instagram, @philsmypharmacist.
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