NIA Submission on the Proposed Ontario Pharmacy Act Regulatory Amendments to Expand Vaccine Administration Practices of Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians and Intern Technicians

The National Institute on Ageing (NIA) appreciates the work of the Ministry of Health and the Ontario College of Pharmacists in advancing updates to the scope of practice of pharmacy professionals. These pertain to the proposed regulatory amendments to Ontario Regulation 256/24 under the Pharmacy Act, 1991. The amendments focus on authorizing pharmacists to assess and prescribe for 14 additional minor ailments and to administer specific products. They also expand the vaccine administration practices of pharmacy technicians and intern technicians.

The NIA strongly supports the proposed vaccine-related expansions to the scope of practice for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. This submission highlights the potential impact of these regulatory amendments on older Ontarians and outlines several factors that must be considered for safe and effective implementation, including training and competency standards, workflow and operations, the increased need for an immunization registry, and public awareness and education.