Question 1

What minor ailments can a pharmacist treat in Ontario?

Accepted Answer

As of 1 July 2026, Ontario pharmacists can assess and prescribe for 28 minor ailments, up from 19. The nine added in July 2026 are calluses and corns, dandruff, dry eye, head lice, jock itch, mild tension headache, nasal congestion, ringworm, and warts other than on the face or genitals. The full list is on this page.

Question 2

Does it cost anything to see the pharmacist for a minor ailment?

Accepted Answer

No. The assessment is free for anyone with a valid Ontario health card. OHIP pays the pharmacy directly, $19 for an in-person assessment and $15 virtual, and you pay nothing whether or not a prescription is written. If the pharmacist does prescribe something, you pay the usual cost of the medication and dispensing fee unless you have drug coverage.

Question 3

Can a pharmacist prescribe antibiotics in Ontario?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for specific conditions on the minor ailments list. A pharmacist at Barrie Peoples Pharmacy can prescribe antibiotics for uncomplicated urinary tract infections, bacterial pink eye and impetigo, where their assessment supports it. They cannot prescribe antibiotics for conditions outside that list: for anything else, you will be directed to the walk-in clinic in the same building.

Question 4

Can I get UTI treatment without seeing a doctor in Barrie?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A pharmacist at Barrie Peoples Pharmacy, 320 Yonge St., can assess and treat an uncomplicated urinary tract infection without a doctor appointment, and the assessment is covered by OHIP. Walk in during open hours with your health card. If your symptoms suggest a kidney infection or something more complicated, the pharmacist will refer you to the clinic or emergency care instead.

Question 5

Do I need an appointment to see the pharmacist?

Accepted Answer

No. Walk into Barrie Peoples Pharmacy during open hours and a pharmacist will assess you. Booking a time online just means less waiting. Most minor ailment visits take under 20 minutes from walking in to walking out with a prescription in hand.

Question 6

What do I need to bring?

Accepted Answer

Bring your Ontario health card, a list of any medications you take including over-the-counter products and supplements, and details of any allergies. If your problem is a rash, a bite or anything visible, leave it uncovered so the pharmacist can look at it properly. Bring the affected child with you if the appointment is for them.

Question 7

I was bitten by a tick. Can the pharmacy help?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and quickly. Pharmacists at Barrie Peoples Pharmacy can assess a tick bite and prescribe preventive treatment against Lyme disease, covered by OHIP. This is time-sensitive: preventive treatment works best when started soon after the bite, so do not wait for a doctor appointment. Call (705) 722-4556 or walk in today.

Question 8

Can a pharmacist treat my child?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Several of the 28 minor ailments are common in children: diaper rash, head lice, impetigo, pinworms, ringworm and pink eye among them. Bring the child and their health card to Barrie Peoples Pharmacy. The pharmacist assesses them in person, the same as an adult, and the visit is covered by OHIP.

Question 9

What if the pharmacist cannot treat what I have?

Accepted Answer

The pharmacist will tell you what they think is going on and direct you to the right place, usually South Barrie Clinic in the same building, sometimes the emergency department. Ontario rules require pharmacists to refer on when they spot red flags suggesting something more serious. You are not charged for an assessment that ends in a referral.

Question 10

Is there a limit to how often I can use this?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Ontario sets an annual claim maximum for each condition, so there is a cap on how many times a pharmacist can bill an assessment for the same ailment in a year. In practice this rarely affects anyone. If a condition keeps coming back, that is usually a sign it needs a doctor assessment rather than another pharmacy visit.

Question 11

Are more conditions being added?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Ontario expanded the list from 19 to 28 conditions on 1 July 2026, and the government has signalled roughly five more coming in early 2027. Call Barrie Peoples Pharmacy on (705) 722-4556 to ask about anything not on the current list, since the answer changes over time.

Question 12

What is the difference between seeing the pharmacist and seeing the doctor?

Accepted Answer

For anything on the 28-condition list, the pharmacist is usually faster: no appointment, under 20 minutes, and OHIP-covered. See the doctor at South Barrie Clinic for anything outside that list, anything that has persisted or worsened, anything needing lab work or a physical examination, and any ongoing condition. Both are at 320 Yonge St.

See a pharmacist instead. No appointment, no fee.

No appointment needed

Nothing to pay

Usually under 20 minutes

What we can treat

What counts as a minor ailment

Before you come in

Questions people ask