Ontario Pharmacists to Begin Administering Flu Shots

Getting your flu shot is now more convenient than ever before, thanks to local pharmacists

TORONTO, Oct. 22, 2012 /CNW/ - Ontario pharmacists will begin administering flu shots at select local pharmacies across the province this week, as part of the Ontario government's Universal Influenza Immunization Program.

"We have been eagerly awaiting this new role and are extremely pleased to be joining physicians and nurses in providing Ontarians with this year's flu shot," said Dennis Darby, CEO of the Ontario Pharmacists' Association. "By having the option to visit their pharmacy for the flu shot, Ontario's patients will benefit from better access to care during this year's flu season."

All Ontarians over the age of five can begin visiting participating local pharmacies where specially-trained pharmacists will give the flu shot.  Currently, there are nearly 2,000 specially-trained pharmacists who are able to provide flu shots and a growing number of pharmacies across the province that are eligible to participate in the flu program.

"We're working to ensure pharmacists are trained and certified to provide immunizations in the province," said Darby. "We would like to see the list of immunizing pharmacists grow so that eventually there is an immunizing pharmacist in every pharmacy by December 2013."

A list of pharmacies with an immunizing pharmacist is available at the following link, and will be updated regularly http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/programs/publichealth/flu/

In Ontario, pharmacists were granted the power to provide the flu shot on October 9 by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. In addition to the flu shot, Ontario pharmacists can also independently renew prescriptions for chronic medications (excluding narcotics and other controlled substances) for up to six months; adapt and/or modify prescriptions independently;  initiate smoking cessation therapy for patients who want to quit; administer by injection or inhalation specific medications for the purpose of demonstration and education; and, pierce the skin to support patient self-care and monitoring of a condition such as diabetes.

About the Ontario Pharmacists' Association
The Ontario Pharmacists' Association is the professional association that represents the views and interests of more than 13,600 pharmacists and pharmacists-in-training across the province. The Association works to inspire excellence in the profession and practice of pharmacy, and to promote wellness for patients.

SOURCE: Ontario Pharmacists' Association

Lindsay George
Manager, Communications
Phone: [phone] x 4236
Email: [email protected]