Student pharmacists offer free flu shots and health screenings at Pharmacy Day on Jan. 20

Get a free flu shot and cholesterol screening at the Idaho Pharmacy Day and Health Fair on Monday, Jan. 20 at the State Capitol in Downtown Boise.

Idaho State University student pharmacists from the Meridian and Pocatello campuses, in conjunction with local pharmacists and the Idaho State Pharmacy Association, will provide the services. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Capitol’s first floor. The public and lawmakers are invited. You must be age 12 or older to receive a flu shot, according to organizers.
 
Other free services include screenings for blood glucose and blood pressure as well as information about immunizations, smoking cessation, poison prevention, over-the-counter medications, natural products and the dangers of prescription drug abuse. Pharmacists will also discuss their expanding roles within the medical community.

The event is part of ISU-College of Pharmacy’s efforts to raise health awareness throughout Idaho. Student pharmacists have received national recognition for their innovative and expansive patient care projects through the American Pharmacists Association, including the 2011 National Award for diabetes outreach projects.

In 2013, ISU pharmacy students received a regional award for diabetes, immunization and Generation Rx projects. Generation Rx provides middle and high school students information about the dangers of prescription drug abuse.  Criteria for the awards include the number of community members served by each outreach event. This past year, 5,363 Idahoans were immunized through the Operation Immunization initiative.

For more information, contact Julie Hillebrant, ISU College of Pharmacy, (208) 282-3393.