Medicine Shortage update July 2023

Covid 19 Vaccine: It’s not too late   For those who have decided not to get a COVID-19 vaccine yet, it is not too late. Vaccination clinics and some pharmacies are still administering the COVID-19 vaccine to patients 12 years of age and older. At Whelehans Pharmacy, you can book your vaccine appointment on the Whelehans Pharmacy website. Whelehans offer the Pfizer Vaccine and you can get your first and second dose (even if you got your first dose elsewhere) at Whelehans. Whelehans also offer COVID booster vaccine for eligible groups. Vaccines are effective and are safe  Scientific evidence shows...

Can Vitamin D help you fight off Covid-19? By Eamonn and Siobhan of Whelehans Pharmacy's   The Irish Medical Journal (IMJ) highlighted the importance of Vitamin D supplementation in Ireland due to the high percentage of deficiency and reported studies showing how Vitamin D prevents respiratory infections including Covid-19 and easing symptoms for those who get infected. (IMJ, April 2020)   What is Vitamin D? Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin. It helps absorb calcium and phosphorus in the intestines so it can be absorbed by the bones, keeping the skeleton strong. Therefore, preventing bone diseases including, osteoporosis and rickets...

Increase in demand for Pulse Oximeters during Covid-19   A pulse oximeter is a small electronic device that fits on your finger to estimate blood oxygen saturation. It is non-invasive and painless. 95% to 100% indicates appropriate oxygen levels in our blood. 92% or lower may indicate a cause for concern.   Why are these devices suddenly getting so much attention? COVID-19 can cause COVID pneumonia; an infection in which the lung's air sacs can fill with fluid. Someone infected with novel coronavirus might be in the early stages of COVID pneumonia in which symptoms includes a drop in blood...

Using PPE properly Social distancing and regular handwashing are still the two most important ways to protect from Covid-19. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) PPE is important in circumstances where close contact with others is not avoidable in certain workplace and healthcare settings. However, it should not be used as an alternative to hand washing and social distancing.   Masks Protection level depends on the type of mask and using them correctly. Social distancing is still important to protect yourself rather than facemasks alone. Face masks can reduce infection risk if used properly. Facemasks are most beneficial in the likes of...

Can Vitamin D help you fight off Covid-19? By Eamonn and Siobhan of Whelehans Pharmacies   The Irish Medical Journal (IMJ) highlighted the importance of Vitamin D supplementation in Ireland due to the high percentage of deficiency and reported studies showing how Vitamin D prevents respiratory infections including Covid-19 and easing symptoms for those who get infected. (IMJ, April 2020)   What is Vitamin D? Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin. It helps absorb calcium and phosphorus in the intestines so it can be absorbed by the bones, keeping the skeleton strong. Therefore, preventing bone diseases including, osteoporosis and rickets...