COVID-19 Information for Patients

If you are a pharmacy professional, please visit the College’s “COVID-19: Information for Pharmacy Professionals” page.

Visiting Your Pharmacy and COVID-Related Pharmacy Services

COVID-19 Vaccines at the Pharmacy

Locate information about eligibility and access on the Ontario government’s COVID-19 Vaccine webpage.

Select pharmacies across the province are offering COVID-19 vaccines. Most pharmacies book appointments ahead of time and some allow walk-ins. Check with the pharmacy before you go.

COVID-19 Testing at the Pharmacy

Locate information about eligibility and testing centres, including pharmacies, on the Ontario government’s website.

Participating pharmacies provide COVID-19 testing, including:

  • Point-of-care PCR tests
  • Specimen collection for lab-based PCR tests
  • Distribution and handling of self-collection kits for lab-based PCR tests
  • Distribution and performing rapid antigen tests

If you intend to go to a pharmacy for COVID-19 testing, you should be aware of the following:

  • Not all pharmacies offer this service
  • Participating pharmacies may require appointments or walk-ins may be accepted. Check with the pharmacy before visiting.
  • All public health measures must be followed when attending the pharmacy for testing, including wearing a mask, practicing physical distancing, and practicing hand hygiene.

Antiviral Treatments

Pharmacists are authorized to prescribe Paxlovid™ (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir) for the treatment of COVID-19.  Publicly funded Paxlovid™ must be prescribed in accordance with eligibility criteria set out by the Ministry of Health.

Ask your pharmacy if they provide this service.

Providing Notice to Your Pharmacy When Possible of Your Medication Needs

We encourage you to provide as much notice as possible to your pharmacy regarding your medication needs, including notifying pharmacies in advance of your need for a medication refill, and to remain patient. Because there are many different services taking place in pharmacies, prescription wait times may be longer.

If You Have Symptoms

For information on symptoms, how to protect yourself, how to self-isolate, what to do if you have symptoms and how to care for those who are ill, please visit the Ontario government’s COVID-19 page. Additional resources are available from Public Health Ontario, Government of Canada, and the World Health Organization.

The Ministry of Health has created a self-assessment tool to determine if you need to seek further care.

If you are unable to attend an appointment with your prescriber, or are self-isolating, and require a refill of your medication, please contact your pharmacy to speak with your pharmacist as they may be able to assist with renewing your medication to ensure the continuity of your care.

Clinical Assessment Centres 

Individuals who are experiencing cough, cold, flu or COVID-19 symptoms can visit and be assessed at their local clinical assessment centre.

 Helpful Resources

Page updated: January 18, 2023

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