Pharmacy services

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

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 common ailment. 

Some pharmacies may require an appointment, so call ahead or check online before you go.

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

• prescription renewal 
• acne (mild): must be 12 years of age and older 
• seasonal allergies: must be two years of age or older 
• cold sores: must be 12 years of age or older and previously diagnosed with cold sores 
• conjunctivitis: must be one year of age and older 
• contact allergic dermatitis: must be two years of age and older 
• contraception management: must be between the ages of 12 and 50 
• eczema (mild to moderate): must be two years of age and older 
• fungal infections of the skin: 
  • ringworm: must be two years of age or older 
  • jock itch: must be two years of age or older 
  • athlete’s foot: must be 12 years of age or older 
• gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): must be 18 years of age and older 
• impetigo: must be two years of age and older 
• thrush 
• shingles: must be 12 years of age and older 
• urinary tract infections (UTI’s): must be 16 years of age and older and previously diagnosed with a UTI 
• tick bites: presenting within 72 hours of a suspected tick bite and have no symptoms 

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.

The pharmacist will: 

• provide the service in person or virtually (if eligible and appropriate*)
• 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 you prefer to use a medication that the pharmacist is unable to prescribe 
• plan a follow-up to monitor safety and effectiveness if medication is prescribe 
• notify your primary care provider (if you have one) 

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

*Please note that not all conditions are eligible for virtual care and not all pharmacies offer virtual appointments.