The Ontario Pharmacists Association’s (OPA) Vaccine Access Action Plan (VAAP) is a patient-centred initiative focused on expanding vaccine access across the province.
The Action Plan identifies key barriers and highlights actionable recommendations focused on community pharmacy-based solutions that will strengthen Ontario’s immunization system and better support patients in receiving timely vaccines. It reflects the insights of OPA’s Vaccine Access Advisory Committee, a group of industry experts and leaders (e.g., pharmacists, physicians, and patient advocates) representing diverse roles, sectors and perspectives who identified persistent barriers to vaccine access across the province, prioritized these challenges and considered strategies for implementation.
OPA has created a VAAP Toolkit to help members, leaders and partners champion a consistent pharmacy-first approach to immunization. The Toolkit provides ready to use messaging and practical advocacy resources to raise awareness of the VAAP, reinforce the value of community pharmacy‑based immunizations, and support system‑aligned improvements. OPA members and partners play a critical role in advancing the VAAP and are encouraged to use the Toolkit to help elevate the Action Plan and its recommendations in conversations and engagement efforts.
To support continued momentum, and in response to one of the VAAP recommendations, OPA has also developed a comprehensive, evidence-based regulatory proposal to expand prescriptive authority for vaccines to pharmacists. This proposal establishes the necessary foundation for future regulatory discussions with government.
OPA will continue advancing the recommendations in the VAAP as Ontario works to improve vaccine accessibility, modernize delivery models, and enhance access to care across the province. Pharmacy professionals and community pharmacies remain well-positioned to contribute meaningfully to these efforts.
