CORNWALL, Ontario – The Province of Ontario has announced that they will be making vaccines more accessible as of Dec. 15.
Residents covered under the Ontario Health Plan will be able to receive vaccines for 13 preventable diseases from their local pharmicist.
These vaccines include ones that prevent Hepatitis A and B, common infections found in warmer climates, meaning that this change comes just in time for the winter travel season.
“The Ontario Pharmacists Association is very pleased with today’s announcement, which leverages pharmacists’ skills, training and knowledge to improve Ontarians’ access to travel vaccines, and a select number of other vaccines that will help patients stay healthy here at home and abroad,” said Dennis Darby, CEO of the Ontario Pharmacists Association. “For the past four years, Ontarians have trusted pharmacists to administer their flu shots. By enabling pharmacists to provide a wider number of vaccines, and broadening pharmacists’ scope of practice, we can further contribute to a sustainable healthcare system and help drive increased vaccination rates, while helping patients manage this important area of their health.”
This change also means not needing to make an appointment at a doctors office. Pharmacy hours are often more flexible and patients can just walk in.
Currently, the Shopper’s in the Eastcourt Mall on Second Street allows residents to walk in and get their flu-shot without an appointment.
