Image: Mark Pastro, BSc(Pharm)'95
Career/profession
Pharmacist, Prince George Regional Hospital; Shoppers Drug Mart in Prince George; Vernon Safeway. I'm now at Hogarth’s Clinic Pharmacy, also in Vernon, B.C.
What was your experience with administering the COVID-19 vaccine at your pharmacy?
It has been great getting to contribute to vaccinating the people of B.C. We were very busy with our first 600 vaccinations but due to the Provincial Health Officer's new orders, we have stopped administering AstraZeneca vaccines. Interior Health is continuing with the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.
Did you see any common trends or questions from patients that needed to be addressed by the pharmacists?
Overall, people appear very excited about receiving their COVID-19 vaccinations. Some common questions include:
• What are the differences between the different types of vaccines?
• What are the side effects of the AstraZeneca vaccine, especially pertaining to blood clots?
• How effective is the vaccine for different strains of COVID-19?
What was your UBC experience like? Is there a moment you are still talking about?
UBC was the most fun time of my life with a lot of studying, sports, and extracurricular activities. I also met my future wife at UBC.
Who or what has been the biggest influence in your career?
The patients themselves have been a great influence. Being a pharmacist is very rewarding and knowing that I have made a positive difference in people's lives gives me a great sense of accomplishment.