We have worked with Dr. Anna Taddio at the University of Toronto to examine strategies for Pharmacy to  are introducing technology into the pharmacy space to combat vaccine hesitancy and improve the patient experience of immunizations. With the use of a virtual reality (VR) headset, patients will become immersed in the video experience while being vaccinated – decreasing both the fear and perception of injection pain.

Our pharmacies are early adopters of innovation and with VR being incorporated into many different aspects of healthcare, pharmacy is no exception. Our pharmacists are committed to continually finding new, and downright cool, patient-focused solutions to improve immunization uptake – what we like to call “a modern approach to pharmacy”.

With curated playlists, patients can tailor their VR experience to what they want to see, from a relaxing day on the beach to a room full of puppies, all while getting vaccinated this flu season and ultimately protecting the ones they love.

We have undergone research on The CARD System in Pharmacy (in collaboration with Dr. Anna Taddio from the University of Toronto) to examine strategies for pharmacy teams to optimize the vaccine experience for patients. 

We have also implemented distraction techniques using virtual reality (VR) headsets that provide immersive experiences that decrease both fear and the perception of injection pain. 

Using VR and CARD strategies, patients can tailor their vaccination experience.

Every year flu season rolls around and we as pharmacists strive to advocate to everyone to get their flu shot.

This year, we went beyond and incorporated extra screening questions in our flu shot consent forms that ask about other recommended adult vaccines. In addition, we created standard pharmaceutical recommendation templates to allow pharmacists to easily make recommendations to prescribers on adult immunizations for their patients. We found these to be very helpful in streamlining conversations about the patient’s vaccine status and easily allow for action to be taken.

World Pneumonia Day is marked every year on November 12th to raise awareness about pneumonia and its prevention methods. In its wake, we created buttons, counter-top displays, and bag attachments to place in our pharmacies and help spark conversation around the vaccine-preventable illness. We also took to social media to continue to spread the message and educate the public about Pneumonia.

Immunizations have saved more lives in Canada over the last 50 years than any other medical advancement. As healthcare professionals, we need to continue to do our part in advocating for the use of vaccines in ensuring our patients are protected against these preventable diseases. Often, it can be overwhelming to keeping track of your immunization history and update it. Luckily, our Whole Health pharmacists are well equipped to keep you on track to living a happier and healthier life!

If you would like to learn more about our programs, contact us at joinus@wholehealthrx.ca.