Pharmacists

New Brunswick pharmacists can assess your symptoms and prescribe medication for a variety of health conditions often referred to as minor ailments for eligible New Brunswick residents with no service fee. Pharmacists can also administer certain publicly funded vaccines to eligible residents of New Brunswick. 

It is always a good idea to check with your local pharmacist to find out if they offer these services since it is not mandatory that every pharmacist offer service for every minor ailment.

Please note that pharmacies may require an appointment. 

Services and minor ailments that pharmacists are funded to assess and prescribe for include:

• Prescription renewal
• Acne (Mild): Must be 12 years of age and not older than 30 years of age if new onset of acne
• Cold Sores: Must be 12 years of age or older and previously diagnosed with cold sores.
• Conjunctivitis: Must be 1 year of age and older
• Contact Allergic Dermatitis: Must be 2 years of age and older
• Contraception Management: Must be between the ages of 12 and 50
• Eczema (Mild to moderate): Must be 2 years of age and older
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Must be 18 years of age and older
• Impetigo: Must be 2 years of age and older
• Shingles: Must be 12 years of age and older
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTI’s): Must be between the ages of 16 and 64 and previously diagnosed with a UTI.
• Tick bites: Presenting within 72 hours of a suspected tick bite and have no symptoms

Eligibility

To be eligible for any service, you must:

• Be a resident of New Brunswick and have a valid NB Medicare card
• Not reside in a nursing home
• Not reside in a correctional facility

Pharmacists are funded to provide some vaccinations:

For more information visit Vaccines and immunization (gnb.ca)

The pharmacist will:

• provide the service in person.
• explain the process and obtain your consent to complete an assessment.
• have a detailed discussion with you to assess your ailment.
• discuss all appropriate options for treatment including those they are unable to prescribe.
• refer to an appropriate health care provider or service if the patient prefers to use a medication that the pharmacist is unable to prescribe.
• plan a follow-up to monitor safety and effectiveness if medication is prescribed.
• notify your primary care provider (if you have one).

The prescription can be filled at the pharmacy of your choice.

If not eligible for the service or if the maximum number of services has been met, contact your healthcare provider or:

The Pharmacist Care Clinic pilot project, a collaboration between the New Brunswick College of Pharmacists and the Department of Health, concluded on Feb. 14, 2025.

For Chronic Disease Management:

• Individuals who need to be seen for chronic disease management should be assessed by their primary care provider. 
  • Citizens with a primary care provider (family doctor or nurse practitioner) should contact their provider.  The pharmacy could send a communication to the provider to inform them of the patient’s health status and needs. 
• Additional options include:
  • NB Health Link, after hours clinics, eVisitNB, 811 or Emergency Department as appropriate. Please note that 811 can now assist patients in booking appointments.
  • Chronic disease clinics within the RHAs.