The Ontario Pharmacists Association (OPA) says that the Ontario government should permit pharmacists to provide immunizations and treat minor ailments. Unlike other provinces, Ontario pharmacists are not allowed to give consumers immunizations or treat minor ailments—all of which could reduce the number of patients visiting emergency rooms and doctor’s offices.
In a release, the OPA stated that pharmacists in other provinces such as Quebec and Nova Scotia can prescribe for common ailments and administer some vaccines—besides the flu shot.
“Ontario is one of the last provinces to empower pharmacists to treat common ailments such as diaper rash, athlete’s foot and pink eye, as well to authorize pharmacists to administer vaccines for travel, HPV, pertussis and shingles, to name just a few,” says said Sean Simpson, Chair of the Board for the Ontario Pharmacists Association (OPA).
“Pharmacists are highly trained medication experts and giving them the ability to provide these services will have a significant impact on patient care, as well as on cost savings,” Simpson continues.
