Pharmacists seek more publicly funded vaccines in Ontario

The Ontario Pharmacists Association wants the province to expand pharmacists' ability to give publicly funded vaccines by Oct. 1.

Nearly a year after the Ontario government pledged to expand pharmacists’ ability to administer publicly funded vaccines – including those for diphtheria, pneumococcal disease, and shingles – to improve healthcare access and reduce doctor visits, the Ontario Pharmacists Association (OPA) argues further action is needed.

Justin Bates, CEO of the OPA, highlighted the province’s progress while calling for broader reforms.

Bates noted that the government has targeted October 1 as the implementation deadline but expressed hope for expanded coverage.

Pharmacist Ken Burns, with a decade of experience, shared insights from the frontlines, stating that demand for pharmacy-administered vaccines is high but cost remains a barrier: “The bigger question is, do I have to pay for it?”

He said that more often than not, pharmacies can administer the majority of vaccines.

“For patients, the issue is, a lot of times, if all the patient has is coverage through the Ontario government, it isn’t likely not covered,” he added.

This means that many have to pay out of pocket to get it outside of a formal clinic or hospital setting.

“Oftentimes these vaccines run a couple hundred dollars or maybe more,” Burns said.

Bates emphasized that the OPA’s goal is to ensure patients have convenient, affordable options for timely care.