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By Julia Le METROLAND WEST MEDIA GROUP Pharmacies expand service 15 · Friday, October 26, 2012 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com Pharmacists across Ontario can now renew existing prescriptions, administer flu shots and offer other services typically provided by doctors. The provincial government, earlier this month, announced the expanded services -- which will also allow pharmacists to give out prescribed medication to help people quit smoking -- as part of its Action Plan for Health Care. It aims to give Ontarians better access to family doctors, nurse practitioners and other health-care providers to ensure health-care dollars are spent most efficiently. At the University of Toronto's Leslie Dan School of Pharmacy, Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty announced expanding the services pharmacists deliver gives residents better access to the services they need while strengthening the health-care system. He said he believes in making flu shots more accessible. "We need to step up the number we have here in Ontario of Ontarians obtaining their annual flu shot," said McGuinty. "We're only at about onethird of Ontarians getting that flu shot." In addition to giving the flu shot, renewing prescriptions for all non-narcotic medications up to six months and being able to give out prescription medication to help people quit smoking, pharmacists will be allowed to demonstrate how to use an asthma inhaler or inject insulin and support patients, who have a chronic disease such as diabetes, monitor their condition. Halton Medical Officer of Health Dr. Bob Nosal said Halton's health department has been actively working with interested pharmacies. He said more than a dozen Halton pharmacies have been inspected and are ready to give out flu shots, with that number expected to grow. Nosal said he's pleased with the move as it aligns with the health department's goals of immunizing as many residents as possible and, in doing so, minimizing the number of flu cases locally. Last year, 127,000 doses were given out in Halton -- 91,000 of them by physicians. "By giving the pharmacists or those who want to take advantage of the opportunity to give flu shot, it gives another access point for Halton residents and anything to increase access to the flu shot I'm very supportive of," he said, as the Region's health department gears up to tackle another flu season. The health department now rolling out its own clinics for vaccinations in Milton, Burlington, Oakville and Halton Hills. It also distributes the flu shots to physicians, hospitals, long-term care facilities and other qualified places. Nosal said health officials encourage people to get vaccinated, especially the elderly, young children and pregnant women. He's hoping by making it more convenient to get a flu shot, people will take advantage of it. Residents are encouraged to contact their local pharmacy to see if it delivers the service. Mark Mark Your Your Calendar Churchill Place Fraud Awareness Protection Monday, November 19th, Wednesday, November 21th, Tuesday, November 27th, Join us at the Oakville Revera Retirement Residence of your choice as we host our upcoming November events: 2:00 pm ­ 3:30 pm 2:00 pm ­ 3:30 pm 2:00 pm ­ 3:30 pm STEAK & SEAFOOD BUFFET EVERY SUNDAY Only $39.95 per person including a glass of sparkling wine (taxes and gratuities extra) 3:00 P.M. UNTIL 8:30 P.M. The Kensington Oakville Zumba Gold! Tuesday, November 6th, Tuesday, November 13th, Tuesday, November 20th, 2:00 pm ­ 3:30 pm 2:00 pm ­ 3:30 pm 2:00 pm ­ 3:30 pm RESERVE YOUR TABLE NOW Trafalgar Lodge Holiday Bingo Friday, November 2nd, Friday, November 16th, Friday, November 30th, 2:00 pm ­ 3:30 pm 2:00 pm ­ 3:30 pm 2:00 pm ­ 3:30 pm Complimentary refreshments and tours of our residence also available. Call to RSVP for the event and location of your choice. Churchill Place 345 Church St Oakville 905-338-3311 Stone House Restaurant will feature a delectable Surf & Turf Buffet including such items as: The Kensington 25 Lakeshore Rd W Oakville 3106 South Service Road, Burlington (between Guelph Line &Walkers Line) reveraliving.com Revera: Canadian owned for 50 years with more than 250 locations. 299 Randall St Oakville 905-632-1316 www.stonehouserestaurant.ca 905-842-8408 11015 10.12 LOBSTER · OYSTERS · STEAK SHRIMP · MUSSELS · LOBSTER BISQUE PRIME RIB · PASTA AND MUCH MORE... 905-844-4000 Trafalgar Lodge