The OPA Professional Practice, Spotlight and Important Update emails inform members of pharmacy trends, membership benefits, OPA’s advocacy work, changes to regulations as well as clinical tools and resources to support pharmacy professionals in their careers. This collection provides members with access to previous editions of emails. The information contained in the emails is subject to change and was current at the time the publication was shared.
2023 Publications
February
Dear Pharmacy Professionals,
As you may be aware, the pharmacy reconciliation payments set out in the
O. Reg. 201/96 of the Ontario Drug Benefit Act (ODBA) are set to be revoked on April 1st, 2023. This reconciliation was part of a savings initiative by the government and has had a direct negative impact of $180 million dollars to community pharmacies since January 1st, 2020, when the regulations were implemented….
COVID-19 Vaccines
- Moderna COVID-19 Infant Vaccine Supply Interruption
OPA Events
- OPA Award Nominations
- Share Your Story for Pharmacy Appreciation Month!
- Annual General Meeting
Pharmacy Programs
- Proposed Amendments to the
Pharmacy Act, 1991
ODB and Third-Party Payor Program Updates
- ODB Formulary Updates
Pharmacy News
- NAPRA Statistics on Licensed
Pharmacy Professionals - Ontario Government Announces Plan
for the Provincial Health Care System
Association Highlights
- OPA Awards 2023
- Share your stories for a chance to win an Apple Watch!
Pharmacy Resources
- Ontario Pharmacy Health Program
- A Black History to Remember 2023: The Canadian Pharmacy Edition
- Paxlovid Prescribing – Navigating Uncertainties Webinar Recordings
- Burden of Health Conditions Attributable to Smoking and Alcohol
Membership Benefits
- Don’t Miss Your Exclusive OPA Member Discount – Get 15% Off Now!
Consultations and Submissions
- 2023 OPA Budget Consultation
OPA Tools and Resources
- Minor Ailment FAQs
Time-Delayed Safes in Community Pharmacies
COVID-19 Testing
- COVID-19 PCR Testing by Ontario Pharmacies
Pharmacy Programs
- Clarification on Holding/Logging/Unfilled Paxlovid Prescriptions
- Changes to the Ordering Process for Influenza Vaccines
ODB and Third Party Payor Updates
- Co-ordination of Benefits: Trillium and Private Payors
Pharmacy News
- OCP Registration Updates
- Reminder: Discontinuation of ONE Mail Direct Email Service
- Citizen Investigation Services Canada
We are pleased to provide you with a special edition of the Professional Practice email. This special edition is in response to the numerous requests and inquiries we have received from members regarding minor ailments and time-delayed safes….
Association Highlights
- Save the Dates – RxTalks
- Black History Month
Pharmacy Resources
- Blog —How Pharmacists Can Improve Outcomes in Patients with Diabetes
- Moderna Spikevax Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ
- Paxlovid Webinar
Membership Benefits
- Get Relief Shifts through Relief Buddy
January
COVID-19 Vaccine Administration and PCR Testing
- COVID-19 Bivalent Booster Doses
- Updated Eligibility Criteria for Publicly Funded COVID-19 Testing
Consultations and Submissions
- OPA’s Submission on Long-Term Care Pharmacy Services
Pharmacy Programs
- Providing Minor Ailment Services for
- Patients Without an Ontario Health Card
OPA Paxlovid Renal Dosing Tool
ODB and Third Party Payor Updates
- Ontario Drug Benefit Formulary Updates
- Ontario Drug Programs Reference Manual Updates
Pharmacy News
- Bell Let’s Talk and Resources for Mental Health
- Provincial Clinical Viewers Open to Community Pharmacies
Association Highlights
- Share Your Opinion—OPA Spotlight Survey
- Early Bird Draw Winners and Welcome Message
Pharmacy Resources
- Paxlovid Webinar
- Adalimumab and Biosimilars Professional Development Courses
Membership Benefits
- Save with OPA MemberPerks
- Manulife Travel Insurance
Commonly Requested Tools and Resources on Scope of Practice Changes
- Pharmacist-Led Minor Ailments Assessments
- Paxlovid Prescribing and Dispensing Services
- COVID-19 Vaccinations
Consultations and Submissions
- PHIPA (Personal Health Information Protection Act) Consultation
- OPA Wage and Benefits Report
ODB and Third Party Payor Updates
- Ontario Government Transitions ODB Patients to Biosimilar Medications
- Updates to the Public Service Health Care Plan (PSHCP) Adjudication Service
Pharmacy News
- OPA Pharmacy Student Job Opportunity Available
Association Highlights
- Thank You for Your Membership With OPA!
- Limited-Time Offer on the Minor Ailments Course
- OPA Wage and Benefits Report
- OPA Pharmacy Student Job Opportunity Available!
Pharmacy Resources
- MAPflow and MedMe Health Partner for Ontario Minor Ailments Program
- Save on GoodLife Memberships
Membership Benefits
- Save on GoodLife Memberships
2022 Publications
December
Minor Ailments
- Ontario Government Publicly Announces Minor Ailments Program for Ontarians
- Executive Officer Notice on Funding for Minor Ailment Services in Ontario Pharmacies
- Eligibility Criteria and Billing Process
- Limitations and Restrictions on Minor Ailment Services
- Executive Officer Notice on Funding for Minor Ailment Services in Ontario Pharmacies
COVID-19 Vaccine Administration
- Updates to COVID-19 Vaccine Executive Officer Notices
- Timing of Administration
Consultations and Submissions
- PHIPA Consultation
Pharmacy Programs
- Updates to the Administration of Publicly Funded Influenza Vaccine in Ontario Pharmacies
Pharmacy News
- Recording of OPA’s Paxlovid™ Prescribing Webinar & Panel Available
- Recording of Getting Ready for Minor Ailments Webinar
- Prescribing Paxlovid Webinar for Pharmacists Practicing in the Durham Region
- OPA Pharmacy Student Job Opportunity Available
- Happy Holidays from OPA!
Association Highlights
- OPA Pharmacy Student Job Opportunity Available!
Pharmacy Resources
- Blog Post—The Current Landscape of Compounding Pharmacy
- Getting Ready for Minor Ailments Webinar Recording
- MAPflow – Implement Effective and Efficient Minor Ailments Services in Your Pharmacy
- Therapeutic Option—Focus on Anxiety and Depression in Children and Adolescents
Membership Benefits
- Focus Mental Wellness
OPA is pleased to announce that after sustained and diligent advocacy, the positive result of negotiations for public funding of Minor Ailments assessment and prescribing can be communicated to pharmacy professionals. We recognize the challenge that pharmacy….
Pharmacy Programs
- Paxlovid Prescribing Webinar, Tools, and Resources
- Paxlovid Shelf-Life Extension
- Quarterly Report Back Form No Longer Required for the Ontario Naloxone Program for Pharmacies
- Ontario Naloxone Pharmacy Program and Employer Eligibility
- Updates to Clinical Guidance on Evusheld
- Clarification Regarding FluMist Administration
COVID-19 Vaccinations and Testing
- Ministry Distribution of COVID-19 Vaccine Ancillary Supplies
- Moderna Spikevax Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ
- CovaxON Updates
- Distribution of Self-Administered COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Tests in 2023
ODB and Third-Party Payor Program Updates
- Transition of Adjudication Service for La Capitale/Beneva
Pharmacy News
- Resources for Managing the Current Pediatric Drug Shortages
Pharmacy Student Opportunity at OPA
Level Up with a 2023 OPA Membership
Yesterday, OPA sent out an Important Update email informing our members that as of December 12th, 2022, Part A pharmacists will be authorized to prescribe Paxlovid for COVID-19 treatment in accordance with regulations under the Regulated Health Professions Act…
OPA would like to provide a correction to the patient eligibility for the assessment, prescribing and dispensing of Paxlovid in our Important Update email sent this morning. The current eligibility criteria in effect for the implementation of this new scope of practice is as follows…
In a submission to the Ontario government dated October 3rd, OPA recommended that the Ontario government enable pharmacists to assess and prescribe for oral antiviral medications given the unique clinical expertise, knowledge, and accessibility…
Association Highlights
- Renew Your OPA Membership the Early Bird Deadline is Approaching!
- Board Update Summary
- Clarification Regarding FluMist Administration
- Introducing MAPflow—a Powerful New Digital Health Tool
Pharmacy Resources
- Moderna Spikevax Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ
- Blog Post—The Current Landscape of Compounding Pharmacy
- Upcoming Webinars
- Pharmacy Safety In-Person Event Questionnaire
November
OPA Membership Benefits
- 2023 Membership Renewal
- Minor Ailment Prescribing Tool: MAPflow
Pediatric Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen Drug Shortage
- Updates on Domestic and Imported Supply of Children’s Acetaminophen Products
- Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen Compounding Formulas
ODB and Third-Party Payor Program Updates
- ODB Formulary Updates
Pharmacy News
- Reminder: Clinical Viewers Sign-Up Available for All Community Pharmacies
- Executive Officer Notice: Transition of ONE Mail Account to Outlook
Association Highlights
- OPA 2023 Membership is Now Open
- Getting Ready for Minor Ailments: The Right Dose Special Edition Webinar
- Deadline Approaching: Join the Opioid and Pain Management in Pharmacy Program Advisory Group
Pharmacy Resources
- ICYMI: How Pharmacists Can Improve Outcomes in Patients with Diabetes — Blog Post
Membership Benefits
- TELUS Mobility Black Friday Deals
- Join GoodLife Fitness and You Could Win
- Get a Quote from The Co-operators and Receive a Gift Card
Pediatric Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen Drug Shortage
- Health Canada Announcement on the Supply of Children’s Acetaminophen Products
- Health Canada Clarification on Compounding Pediatric Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen
- Medisca Acetaminophen Compounding Formulas
COVID-19 Vaccine Administration
- Ministry Screening Tool for COVID-19 Vaccination of High-Risk Demographics
- Moderna Spikevax Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ
- COVaxON Updates
ODB and Third-Party Payor Program Updates
- Epinephrine Auto-Injector Coverage through the Allergen Program
OPA Virtual Events
- Getting Ready for Minor Ailments Prescribing
OPA Townhall
Pharmacy News
- Paxlovid Shelf-Life Extension
FluMist Resources and FAQs
Association Highlights
- Join the Opioid and Pain Management in Pharmacy Program Advisory Group
Pharmacy Resources
- Pharmacy Safety and Security – Robbery Prevention In-Person Event
- How Pharmacists Can Improve Outcomes in Patients with Diabetes — Blog Post
- Moderna Spikevax Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ
Membership Benefits
- Don’t Miss Your Exclusive OPA Member Discount – Get 15% Off Pharmacist’s Letter Canada!
- RxVigilance—Clinical and Reference Software
Professional Development News
- Improving the Management of Diabetes in Insulin-Dependent Patients Webinar Series
- Limited Time Offer—Save on the Prescribing for Minor Ailments – The Fundamentals Course
On November 8th, 2022, the Ministry of Health released updated Executive Officer (EO) Notices related to the COVID-19 vaccine program in Ontario. Highlights of updates to the EO notices and accompanying guidance documents include…
Consultations and Submissions
- OPA’s Proposal on Minor Ailment Funding
- OPA’s Recommendations on Policy Priorities
COVID-19 Vaccine Administration
- FAQs on COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Doses
COVaxON Updates - COVID-19 Testing
COVID-19 PCR Testing in Ontario Pharmacies
- Pharmacy Programs
- UIIP Program Reminders
- McKesson Memo on Influenza Vaccine Orders
ODB and Third-Party Payor Program Updates
- ODB Formulary Updates
Pharmacy News
- Discount on OPA’s Minor Ailment Course
- Access to Archived OPA Email Communications
- OCP Survey on Time Delayed Safes
October
Association Highlights
- OPA’s Guide to Pharmacy Safety: Increase Safety Measures and Take Preventative Actions
Pharmacy Resources
- Blog Post — A Decade of Immunizations: Pharmacy Professionals and Vaccinations
- Canadian Patient Safety Week
- Upcoming Webinars
Membership Benefit
- Win 1 of 2 Pharmacy Technician OPA Memberships with Relief Buddy!
COVID-19 Vaccine Administration
- COVaxON Updates
COVID-19 Testing
- Updates to OPA’s COVID-19 PCR Testing Documentation Form
Pharmacy Programs
UIIP Program Reminders
Pharmacy Programs
- UIIP Program Reminders
ODB and Third-Party Payor Program Updates
- Sun Life Transition from Telus/Assure to ESC Canada
- Evusheld: Preventing COVID-19 in High-Risk Patients Webinar
- Eliminating Cervical Cancer – Diagnosis and Treatment of Cervical Cancer
- Health Canada Issues Statement on Pediatric Tylenol and Advil Shortage
- Health Products Stewardship Association Educational Materials on Medication Disposal
- OPA Pharmacy Safety Tools
- OPA Website Scheduled Maintenance
Today the Ontario government announced that effective Monday October 17th, 2022, individuals 12 years of age and older will be eligible for a booster dose of the Pfizer Bivalent vaccine. The Ministry is recommending that individuals receive the bivalent booster 6 months (168 days) after their previous COVID-19 vaccine. However, with informed consent, individuals may receive a booster dose of the bivalent vaccine after 3 months…
Association Highlights
- Pharmacogenetics: The Future of Patient Care Signature Learning Series
- Pillar of Pharmacy Award
Pharmacy Resources
- Blog Post — The Current Landscape of Compounding Pharmacy
- Evusheld: Preventing COVID-19 in High-Risk Patients
- ICYMI: Webinar Recordings
Insurance Update
- Manulife Term Life Insurance Plan
The Ministry of Health has updated the Executive Officer Notices related to COVID-19 testing in Ontario pharmacies. The updates have been made to align with the most recent changes to the COVID-19 Provincial Testing Guidance…
COVID-19 Vaccine Administration
- Updated OPA Moderna Spikevax COVID-19 Tool
Pharmacy Programs
- OPA’s UIIP Consent and Screening Form Now Available
- Ordering Process for the 2022/2023 UIIP Season
- UIIP Tools and Resources
ODB and Third-Party Payor Program Updates
- ODB Formulary Updates
Pharmacy News
- Flu Shots, COVID Boosters, and Immunizations Webinar
- Updated Features: SADIE
On October 3rd, 2022, the Ministry of Health released Executive Officer Notices on patient access to publicly funded Evusheld through Ontario pharmacies…
September
Association Highlights
- Board Meeting Update
- Health Care Provider and Patient Resources for New Methadone Products
Pharmacy Resources
- National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
- Blog Post––– The Pharmacist’s Role in Prevention of HPV-Related Cancers
- Key Findings from CPhA’s National Flu Shot Survey
- Apotex APOthecary Heroes Contest
Membership Benefits
- Relief Buddy is Giving Away Two Pharmacy Technician Memberships
- Venngo Summer Giveaway Winners
Today the Ministry of Health released updated Executive Officer Notices related to the COVID-19 vaccine program in Ontario…
COVID-19 Vaccine Administration
- Reminder: Moderna Bivalent Vaccine Eligibility Expansion
- COVID-19 Vaccines in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
- New Formulation of the Pediatric Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine
COVaxON Updates
- Inventory Production Defect in COVaxON
ODB and Third-Party Payor Program Updates
- Scheduled HNS and NMS Outage
- Update on the Adjudication Service for La Capitale/Beneva
Pharmacy News
- World Pharmacists Day
- OPA Pharmacy Safety Tools
- Blog Post— An Inside Look into Professional
- Affairs at OPA: A Pharmacy Student’s Perspective
- Updated Shingrix Indication
- Specialty Pharmacy Summit
On September 20th, 2022, the Ministry of Health released Executive Officer Notices regarding the Administration of Publicly Funded Influenza Vaccines in Ontario Pharmacies. Since the inception of the UIIP pharmacy program in 2012, pharmacists have played a crucial role in vaccinating Ontarians against the influenza virus…
Association Highlights
- OPA Pharmacy Student Job Opportunity Available!
Pharmacy Resources
- Protecting the Population Against COVID-19 Signature Learning Series
- Focus on Osteoporosis Therapeutic Option
- Upcoming Webinar— Keeping Your Pharmacy and Staff Safe from Robberies
- Research Study: Recruiting Health Care Providers for a Medical Cannabis Survey
Today the Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, announced the eligibility criteria for booster doses of the Moderna bivalent vaccine. The rollout of the vaccination campaign will consist of two phases, with the bivalent vaccine becoming available to high-priority demographics first, followed by expansion to a wider group of individuals…
As Ontario continues to manage the COVID-19 virus, the province is expanding access for Moderna Bivalent to community pharmacies. Effective September 9th, 2022, McKesson is allowing for ordering of the Moderna Bivalent vaccine outside of the normal prebook process. As vaccine program expansion typically begins with priority populations, pharmacy professionals should consider the anticipated demand for this demographic within their community when placing initial orders…
COVID-19 Vaccine Administration
- Health Canada Authorizes Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccines
- Pre-Book Orders of the Moderna Bivalent Vaccine
- COVID-19 Executive Officer Notices on Vaccines
Pharmacy Programs
- UIIP 2022/2023 Implementation Materials
ODB and Third-Party Payor Program Updates
- New Methadone Product Added to the Monitored Drug List
Pharmacy News
- OCP Announces Requirements for Minor Ailments Prescribing Course
- The Ontario Pharmacists Association Condemns Acts of Violence Against Pharmacy Professionals
- Pharmacy Student Opportunity Available
- Upcoming Complimentary Webinars