Should Pharmacists Be Able to Treat 14 More Common Ailments?

Official title: Proposed Regulatory Amendments to O. Reg. 256/24 (General) made under the Pharmacy Act, 1991

Closed Regulations & Permits Health & Safety
Ontario wants to let pharmacists diagnose and prescribe for 14 more common health issues—things like sore throats, headaches, dandruff, and dry eyes. Pharmacists could also give more vaccines, including tetanus and shingles shots. Pharmacy technicians would be allowed to administer vaccines too.

Why This Matters

Got a sore throat or headache? Instead of waiting days for a doctor's appointment, you might be able to get treatment at your local pharmacy. This could mean faster care for minor issues and shorter waits at walk-in clinics. If you need a tetanus shot or shingles vaccine, your pharmacist could do it on the spot.

What Could Change

Pharmacists would be authorized to assess and prescribe for 14 additional conditions including sore throats, mild headaches, shingles, head lice, and fungal infections. They could administer tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, pneumococcal, shingles, and RSV vaccines. Pharmacists could also administer Sublocade for opioid addiction treatment. Pharmacy technicians would gain authority to give vaccines.

Key Issues

  • Should pharmacists be able to prescribe for 14 additional minor ailments?
  • Should pharmacists administer additional vaccines including tetanus, shingles, and RSV?
  • Should pharmacists be able to administer Sublocade for opioid use disorder?
  • Should pharmacy technicians be allowed to administer vaccines?

How to Participate

  1. Review the proposal on the consultation page to understand the 14 ailments and vaccine changes being proposed.
  2. Send your feedback by email to regulatoryprojects@ontario.ca.