When most people think of a community pharmacy, they think of the counter at the back and a wait time. That’s the version of pharmacy that most people have experienced, and it’s a reasonable association.
But a lot has changed in how pharmacists are authorized to practice in Ontario — and most people haven’t heard about it, because the healthcare system isn’t particularly good at advertising its own upgrades.
Our June 26 Community Wellness & Creativity Day is partly about that. Yes, there will be art tables and clay and kids colouring outside in the sun. But we’ll also have a pharmacist available throughout the event for real conversations — the kind that used to require a doctor’s appointment, a walk-in wait, or a phone call that goes unreturned.
Here’s what’s available, and what’s worth asking about.
Minor ailment assessments — the one most people don’t know about
Since 2023, Ontario pharmacists have been authorized to assess and prescribe for 19 common health conditions. The assessment is done one-on-one with your pharmacist, takes 15 to 20 minutes, and is covered by OHIP. No co-pay, no referral, no second stop at the pharmacy after seeing a doctor.
Conditions included:
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) — the single most common condition we see. If you’ve had one before, you know the symptoms. We can assess and prescribe same-day.
- Pink eye (conjunctivitis) — both allergic and bacterial. We can determine which type and prescribe appropriately.
- Cold sores — antiviral treatment works best when started early. We can prescribe without a doctor visit.
- Allergic rhinitis — year-round or seasonal. If you’re managing allergies with over-the-counter medication and wondering if there’s a better approach, we can help.
- Tick bites — post-exposure prophylaxis when caught within 72 hours.
- Hemorrhoids, impetigo, insect bites, oral thrush, and more — the full list of 19 conditions is set by the province.
If you’re not sure whether your situation qualifies, come by and ask. We’ll tell you quickly whether we can help or whether you need a different route.
MedsCheck — a free medication review most people have never used
If you take one or more prescription medications, you’re entitled to a free, comprehensive medication review once a year. It’s called MedsCheck, and it’s covered by the Ontario government for eligible patients.
A MedsCheck is a private, one-on-one conversation — usually 30 to 45 minutes — where we go through every medication you’re taking: prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, supplements. We look for interactions, check whether doses are still appropriate, and make sure you understand what each medication is doing and why.
People who have done a MedsCheck often come out of it knowing something they didn’t know going in — whether that’s a question to ask their doctor, a supplement to stop taking, or reassurance that their current regimen makes sense.
It’s one of the most underutilized services in Ontario pharmacy. Most patients don’t know it exists, and many who know it exists don’t know it’s free.
At the June 26 event, one of our pharmacists can answer questions about MedsCheck and help you decide if a formal review would be useful for you.
Vaccinations — including ones that aren’t automatic
Most adults are reasonably up to date on flu shots because it’s easy and visible. There are other vaccines that are less straightforward.
Shingles (Shingrix): Recommended for adults over 50. Two doses, given two to six months apart. In Ontario, the cost has been a barrier for some patients — it’s not universally covered, though coverage depends on your drug plan. If you’re not sure whether you’ve had it or should, ask us.
Travel vaccines: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever depending on destination. The general rule is to book at least 4 to 6 weeks before travel to allow time for dosing schedules. If you have summer travel planned, June 26 is a good time to start that conversation.
COVID boosters and flu (seasonal timing): We can discuss what’s available and what’s recommended based on your age and health history.
We administer vaccines on site, by appointment. The event isn’t a vaccination clinic, but it’s a chance to figure out what you need and book.
Prescription transfers — easier than you think
If you’ve been filling prescriptions at a chain because that’s where you started, transferring to us is genuinely simple. Bring your medication bottle, or just give us the name of your current pharmacy. We call them, we get the transfer, you’re done. We do this with no fee, no paperwork on your end, and no disruption to your current medications.
The most common reason people don’t switch is inertia — not because they’re particularly happy with where they are, but because changing seems like effort. It isn’t. Come by on June 26 and ask us to walk you through it.
Home delivery
For patients who have mobility challenges, irregular schedules, or just prefer the convenience: we offer home delivery of prescriptions within our service area. Ask at the event about coverage and timing.
OHIP+ for children and youth under 25
If you have kids or young adults in your household who are under 25, their prescriptions may be covered at no cost under the Ontario government’s OHIP+ program. We’ll help you confirm eligibility and make sure it’s applied correctly at your next fill.
Bring your questions
None of this requires an appointment at the event. One of our pharmacists will simply be available, outside, for the full three hours. If a question comes up between colouring sheets, ask it.
Healthcare doesn’t have to be formal. Sometimes the most useful conversation is a two-minute one outside, between a parent who’s been meaning to ask something for months and a pharmacist who has a straightforward answer.
That’s what we’re there for.
Community Wellness & Creativity Day
Thursday, June 26, 2026 · 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
3028 Bur Oak Avenue, Cornell, Markham
Free · All ages · No registration required
2carepharmacy.com/community · 905-201-1497