A drop in new pharmacy graduates has exacerbated a shortage of professionals staffing pharmacies across Newfoundland and Labrador, with some forced to close during normal operating hours to accommodate vacation requests.

"Most of us are working extra hours all the time," said Rod Forsey, president of the Pharmacists' Association of Newfoundland and Labrador.

"This summer, with the number of vacations that have to be covered and the shortage of pharmacists, a lot of pharmacies are reducing their hours during slower periods, like on weekends, just to get by, basically," Forsey told CBC News Monday.

For instance, a Lawtons pharmacy in the Kelligrews neighbourhood of Conception Bay South closed early Saturday afternoon to accommodate vacation schedules.

Forsey said there had already been a shortage of pharmacists in the province before Memorial University changed its program to bring it line with similar programs elsewhere in Canada.

That change meant that the number of new graduates has dropped from 40 per year to 20 per year, for a two-year period that has just concluded.

"This summer, particularly, has been quite difficult," said Forsey, adding that at least next year more new graduates should be on the job market.

Forsey said regular hours should return as pharmacists complete their summer vacations.