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Your Independent Local Newspaper Established in 1918 VOLUME 104: ISSUE 19
www.tofieldmerc.com
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2022
Covid rapid tests available at hospital but rural pharmacies not included KERRY ANDERSON and LISA KUFLAY Rural hospitals, like Tofield Health Centre, are distributing the Covid Rapid Tests while the rural pharmacies have been cut out of the procedure. The reasoning for the decision has been quite perplexing to local pharmacist Darren Erickson of Tofield. “I was surprised and very disappointed that rural Alberta pharmacies were not included in this distribution,” Erickson told The Tofield Mercury on Friday. “The tests were distributed through the same pharmaceutical wholesaler that delivers my orders every day. “It’s possible the person in charge of the program was unaware of the high rates of Covid and low rates of vaccination in rural Alberta.” Erickson said 60 percent of Canadians live within one km of a pharmacy, so it just makes sense to include rural outlets. “We, as pharmacists, have always been promoters of good health and we were encouraged when the distribution of these health products was arranged through pharmacies. We have the knowledge and skills to help patients interpret results as they relate to their families and work life,” he added. The Tofield pharmacist said although not as accurate as a PCR test, the Rapid Tests still serve a valid purpose and are more economical. “Screening employees or family members can help to quickly identify and isolate those who have COVID-19 including those without symptoms,” said Erickson. “Early
identification helps to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our community.” Erickson said the Rapid Test can provide a less accurate result in 15 minutes while the PCR tests could take up to 24 hours. “These are the ones (PCR) provided by our pharmacies in Tofield and our government, and can be used for entrance to public buildings, events, and travel to most of the United States.” Erickson said he has not heard discussion about the expansion of the Rapid Test program to rural pharmacies and although they have been administering the vaccine at his pharmacies in Tofield, nothing as of yet for children six to 11 years of age. As well, he said there has been no discussion of expanding that to rural pharmacies either. “We know that one of the main sources of Covid exposure is through our schools and unvaccinated students,” explained Erickson. “Other than being reluctant to vaccinate, location and accessibility of the vaccine is one of the next highest reasons patients give for not getting vaccinated. Proximity and familiarity of pharmacies makes this supply chain a priority. Saskatchewan pharmacies are already supplying child Covid vaccines. “Alberta pharmacies are in a great position to increase vaccination rates in our schools and recreation facilities. Albertan’s missed an unbelievable opportunity when pharmacies did not have child Covid vaccine over the Christmas holidays. “We could have been much more
prepared for the return to school.” Although pharmacist and owner Erickson was transparent with The Mercury in his displeasure with the way the government has handled distribution, Tofield Health Centre was unable to speak to the newspaper about the Rapid Test situation. Rather, The Mercury was told to contact Alberta Health Services (AHS) Communications Advisor. From this communication we learned Tofield Health Centre received its first shipment of rapid antigen tests the first week they were available to AHS sites and pharmacies, on December 16. A shipment of five cases of test kits is being received each week, with the next expected today (Jan. 12). Further, AHS reports: “As per alberta.ca: To ensure as many people have access as possible, there is a limit of one kit per person/health care number within a 14-day period. If you are picking up a kit for another person(s), have their name, date of birth, and health care card with you. Rapid tests can be used by people aged 14 and older; and children aged 2 to 13 if performed by an adult. These rapid test kits cannot
be used for the Restrictions Exemption Program. Unvaccinated people must pay to obtain proof of negative test result through a private vendor or pharmacy to gain admission.” AHS confirmed pharmacist Erickson’s assertion that the Rapid Tests are not as accurate, however added, “Rapid antigen tests should catch most cases when used on people with symptoms, but they are not as accurate as lab-based PCR testing. The likelihood of someone with symptoms having a false positive result from a rapid test is low when the disease prevalence is high. The likelihood of someone with symptoms having a false negative result can occur, especially if tested too early from their symptom onset, which is why repeat testing 24 hours later is recommended. Anyone exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 should self-isolate and follow all public health precautions until their symptoms are gone, regardless of rapid test results. The likelihood of someone without symptoms having a false negative result is very high, which is why a negative test result cannot replace appropriate public health measures.”