Pharmacy Connection
As Ontario’s vaccination rates continue to climb and the province begins to re-open, pharmacy professionals are playing a key role in driving province-wide progress and improvements in health indicators. Through patient education, support and community vaccinations, pharmacy professionals are keeping Ontarians informed and healthy.
With evolving public health guidance, pharmacy professionals continue to be an important source of information and education for patients, including addressing questions and concerns about vaccines. It is important that pharmacists and pharmacy technicians educate themselves about the COVID-19 vaccines so that they are prepared to address questions and concerns from patients.
During the provision of pharmacy services, while engaging with their patients, pharmacy professionals are encouraged to ask patients whether they have received the first and second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. If the patient has not received a vaccine, pharmacists can offer patient education around the safety and efficacy of the vaccine and discuss any concerns the patient may have.
Even if you are not providing vaccinations in your pharmacy, as a healthcare professional you play an important role in ensuring patients have the information they need to make an informed decision and helping them navigate the vaccination process when appropriate. Patients can also be reminded to seek out and rely on reputable and credible information sources.
Top Five COVID-19 Resources for Pharmacy Professionals
The College provides a host of resources pharmacy professionals can use in their daily practice to help guide conversations with patients. The College continues to collaborate with the Ministry of Health, public health officials and other health system partners and professional associations to inform and support pharmacy professionals.
COVID-19: Information for Pharmacy Professionals
The College’s dedicated COVID-19 webpage includes the latest updates on COVID-19, resources on supporting vaccine confidence and visually engaging health resources.
Immunize Canada
Immunize Canada is a national coalition whose mission is to promote the understanding and use of vaccines as recommended by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization. Access resources on education, misinformation and vaccine hesitancy.
Canadian Vaccination Evidence Resource and Exchange Centre (CANVax)
Find resources focused on vaccine acceptance and uptake in Canada, including COVID-19 vaccine questions and answers for public health professionals.
University of Waterloo’s School of Pharmacy COVID-19 health resources
Access health resources on COVID-19 vaccines, including FAQs, infographics and videos.
Centre for Effective Practice COVID-19 webpage
The Centre for Effective Practice has evidence-based resources, including common COVID-19 questions from patients and key messages to use in responding.
