Frequently Asked Questions Unichem Kilbirnie Pharmacy

What services does your pharmacy offer in Wellington?

At Unichem Kilbirnie Pharmacy, we proudly serve the Kilbirnie, Wellington community with a full range of pharmacy services, including:

• Prescription dispensing and repeat prescription management
• Medication reviews and long-term condition support
• Vaccinations and immunisations (e.g. flu, whooping cough)
• Childhood vaccinations
• Health consultations and wellness checks
• Over-the-counter (OTC) medicine advice and supply
• Blister packaging (compliance packing)

Explore our full services list here, or call us for more information.

Do I need a prescription to buy medicine at your pharmacy?

Yes and no - it depends on the medication.

• Prescription-only medicines require a valid prescription from a registered New Zealand healthcare provider (e.g. GP, nurse practitioner).
• Pharmacy-only and OTC medicines are available without a prescription. Our pharmacists can help you choose the safest and most effective option.

Not sure what you need? Just ask our friendly team in-store, enquire online, or by phone.

Can I speak to a pharmacist without a prescription?

Yes, you can. You don’t need a script to speak to our pharmacists. We're here to help with:

• Minor health concerns
• Cold and flu symptoms
• Pain relief options
• Allergies, skin conditions, and more

Call us or walk in - no appointment is required.

What should I do if I have questions about my medicine?

If you're unsure about:

• How to take your medication
• Possible side effects
• Interactions with other medicines

Our pharmacists are here to help. We’ll make sure you feel confident and safe with your treatment.

What if I need help outside pharmacy hours?

For urgent health concerns after hours, contact:

• Healthline on 0800 611 116 - Free 24/7 advice from registered nurses and clinicians
• Your local urgent care clinic or hospital emergency department

For non-urgent queries, you can leave us a message or email - we’ll respond during business hours.

Can your pharmacists give medical advice?

Yes - our pharmacists are qualified, registered health professionals under the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand. We provide expert advice on:

• Safe use of prescription and non-prescription medicines
• Managing minor illnesses and symptoms
• Choosing appropriate treatments

We're your local health experts - feel free to contact us.

How do I get a prescription filled?

It’s easy. Bring your prescription to the pharmacy in person, or ask your GP to send it electronically to us.

We will:

1. Dispense your medicine accurately
2. Provide clear instructions for use
3. Discuss any side effects or interactions

We also help manage repeat prescriptions and offer reminder services.

Can I get vaccinated at your pharmacy?

Yes. We provide a range of vaccination services for both children and adults, including:

• Childhood vaccinations (6 weeks to 9 years)
• Influenza (flu) vaccinations
• COVID-19 vaccinations
• Whooping cough (pertussis) vaccinations
• Shingles vaccinations
• Meningococcal vaccinations
• HPV (Gardasil 9) vaccinations
• Tdap vaccinations

Some vaccines are funded for eligible patients, while others may incur a private fee. Our team can advise on the most appropriate vaccination for you or your family and confirm eligibility for funded vaccines.

View our vaccination services or book online today.

Do I need to book for a flu shot?

No, walk-ins are welcome for flu vaccines. However, we recommend booking online, especially during peak flu season.

How can I better manage my prescriptions?

We offer several services to make medication management simple:

• Blister packs for clear, organised dosing
• Prescription synchronisation to reduce visits
• Automated refill reminders via text or phone
• One-on-one medicine use reviews

Ask us about setting up a personalised system that suits your needs.