Ontarians can now receive more health services directly from pharmacists, including the publicly-funded flu shot and getting prescriptions renewed.
Premier Dalton McGuinty announced the additional services pharmacists can deliver recently at the University of Toronto’s Leslie Dan School of Pharmacy.
In addition to giving the flu shot, pharmacists can now also:
– renew or adapt existing prescriptions;
– prescribe medication to help people quit smoking;
– demonstrate how to use an asthma inhaler or inject insulin;
– support patients who have a chronic disease, such as diabetes, monitor their condition.
“By expanding the services pharmacists deliver, like the ability to give the flu shot, we’re giving Ontarians better access to the services they need while strengthening our health care system,” said McGuinty.
“It’s another way we are ensuring universal health care is there for our children and grandchildren.”
This year marks the 13th year the flu shot has been offered in Ontario.
People (over the age of five) can visit participating local pharmacies starting Oct. 22, where specially trained pharmacists will give them the flu shot as part of Ontario’s universal influenza immunization program.
Expanding the role of highly trained pharmacists is part of the government’s Action Plan for Health Care and the Drummond Report.
The plan gives Ontarians better access to family doctors, nurse practitioners and other health care providers, to ensure that health care dollars are spent most efficiently.
“We are maximizing the services provided by pharmacists so that Ontarians can receive the care they need safely, quickly and closer to home,” said Deb Matthews, minister of Health and Long-Term Care. “Pharmacists are highly trained and trusted health providers. It’s time that we benefit fully from all the services they can provide.”
