Manitoba Health wants to ensure parents and caregivers of babies using medically necessary specialty formula are aware it can often be obtained by special order at pharmacies.
With an ongoing shortage of specialty infant formula expected to last several months, parents and caregivers should speak with their health-care provider to have their baby’s health and formula needs reassessed, as this can change as the baby grows. Their baby may no longer need specialty formula. If a change is recommended, health-care providers can provide tips to ease the transition.
Supplies of specialty formula are often very low or may be out of stock in many retail outlets. If parents and caregivers cannot find the formula they need, they can speak with a pharmacist or pharmacy technician, who may be able to order it.
The special order program is only for specialty formula for babies with allergies and certain medical conditions, as there is no shortage of regular powdered infant formula in Canada.
