Overview

For all members of the community, pharmacists can:

  • fill and deliver prescriptions
  • compound (customize) medications
  • offer one-on-one counselling to review your medications (the MedsCheck program)
  • prescribe certain treatment options, including for some of the most common ailments, as well COVID-19 and flu
  • offer one-on-one counselling to help you quit smoking or manage diabetes
  • administer vaccines, including publicly funded vaccines
  • provide home health care supplies, mobility aids or safety equipment

Some services may vary by location. You may need to make an appointment with the pharmacy and some services may have a fee. Check before you go.

Prescriptions

Services include:

  • dispensing
  • compounding of medications (for customization)
  • prescribing medications to treat certain common ailments
  • prescribing antiviral medication (Paxlovid) to treat COVID-19 infections
  • prescribing antiviral medication (oseltamivir/Tamiflu) to treat influenza (flu)
  • delivery of prescriptions

Prescriptions for common ailments

Accessing these services come at no extra cost to Ontarians – all you need is your OHIP card.

Prescribing is optional. If you have symptoms, contact your local pharmacist to confirm whether they prescribe for certain common ailments before visiting.

Pharmacists can prescribe certain medication to treat the following common ailments:

  • acid reflux
  • acne
  • calluses and corns (starting July 1, 2026)
  • canker sores
  • cold sores (herpes labialis)
  • dandruff (starting July 1, 2026)
  • dermatitis
  • diaper rash
  • dry eye (starting July 1, 2026)
  • hay fever
  • head lice (starting July 1, 2026)
  • hemorrhoids
  • impetigo
  • insect bites and hives
  • jock itch (starting July 1, 2026)
  • menstrual cramps
  • mild headache (starting July 1, 2026)
  • nasal congestion (starting July 1, 2026)
  • nausea and vomiting in pregnancy
  • oral thrush
  • parasitic worms
  • pink eye
  • ringworm (starting July 1, 2026)
  • sprains and strains
  • tick bites
  • urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • warts (starting July 1, 2026)
  • yeast infections

Pharmacists can also prescribe medications to treat COVID-19 and influenza (flu).

Counselling

Services include:

MedsCheck Program

If you are taking multiple medications, the MedsCheck Program, available at most pharmacies, helps ensure that you are getting the most benefit from your medications and that you are taking them as prescribed.

Anyone taking a minimum of 3 medications and who has an Ontario health card is eligible for the MedsCheck Program.

Vaccines

Pharmacists can give:

  • free, publicly funded immunizations for those that are eligible, including:
    • flu (2 years of age and over)
    • COVID-19 (6 months of age and over)
    • starting July 2026, publicly funded immunizations for specific eligible adults, including:
      • Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
      • pneumococcal
      • shingles
      • tetanus
      • diphtheria
      • pertussis
  • other immunizations, such as travel vaccines

The publicly funded immunizations listed above can be administered by trained pharmacy staff. No prescription is required. Speak to your pharmacist or another health-care provider to see whether you are eligible for these immunizations.

Pharmacies who wish to participate in the publicly funded immunization programs can apply each year. Please see more information on the Universal Influenza Immunization Program page.

Referrals

You do not need a referral to receive services at a pharmacy.