Frequently asked
Questions? We've got answers.
The things our neighbours in Cornell ask most — about appointments, coverage, vaccines, and bookings. Can't find what you need? Call us at 905-201-1497 and a real pharmacist will help.
General questions
Do I need an appointment to get a flu shot?
Walk-ins are welcome for flu shots during our open hours, and you can also reserve a time in advance if you would rather come at a set hour. Most publicly funded flu vaccines are covered by OHIP for eligible Ontario residents — ask our pharmacist if you're unsure whether you qualify.
Do you accept all insurance plans?
We work with OHIP/ODB and most private and employer insurance plans. Bring your benefits card and we'll confirm your coverage and any co-pay — just ask our pharmacist.
What is MedsCheck and who qualifies?
MedsCheck is a free, OHIP-covered one-on-one medication review with a pharmacist. It's generally available to Ontario residents with a valid health card who take multiple medications or live with certain conditions such as diabetes. See our MedsCheck page or ask our pharmacist whether you're eligible.
What is a minor ailment assessment?
It's a one-on-one visit where an Ontario pharmacist assesses and provides care for 19 common minor ailments — including uncomplicated UTIs, pink eye, and cold sores. The assessment is free for OHIP-insured Ontario residents. Reserve a time, or just ask our pharmacist.
Do you do travel vaccines?
Yes — typhoid, hepatitis A and B, Japanese encephalitis, rabies pre-exposure, and more. Book a travel consultation at least 4–6 weeks before your trip so your immunity has time to build.
Where are you located and what are your hours?
We're at 3028 Bur Oak Avenue, Markham, ON L6B 0R1, in the Cornell neighbourhood. We're open Monday to Friday from 9:30, Saturday from 10:00, and closed Sunday. See our contact page for full hours and a map, or call 905-201-1497.
Questions by service
Tap a service for the full breakdown, or expand a question below.
Vaccinations & Immunizations
View vaccinations & immunizations →Which vaccines does OHIP cover?
Flu, COVID-19, pneumonia (for eligible adults), the shingles vaccine (publicly funded for adults 65–70), and several routine adult vaccines. Travel vaccines and a few specialty vaccines are typically paid out-of-pocket — we'll always tell you the cost upfront.
Do I need an appointment?
Walk-ins are welcome, but reserving a time means we are ready the moment you arrive. For flu season and back-to-school weeks especially, we strongly recommend reserving ahead.
Can I get more than one vaccine in the same visit?
Yes — for most adult vaccines, co-administration is safe and well-studied. Just tell us at booking and we'll plan the appointment accordingly.
What about kids?
We can administer most routine vaccines to children 2 years and older. For children under 2, we'll point you to the right setting — your family doctor or your local public health unit.
Do you do travel vaccines?
Yes — typhoid, hepatitis A and B, Japanese encephalitis, rabies pre-exposure, and more. Book a travel consultation at least 4–6 weeks before your trip so your immunity has time to build.
I don't have a health card. Can you still vaccinate me?
Yes. We can still administer most vaccines and we'll quote you the cost beforehand. Bring any prior immunization records if you have them.
Minor Ailment Assessments
View minor ailment assessments →Which conditions can a pharmacist assess?
Ontario's program covers 19 common minor ailments, including pink eye, uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women, cold sores, seasonal allergies, insect bites and hives, mild acne, muscle aches, and heartburn. Not sure if yours qualifies? Call us and we'll tell you in a minute.
Does it cost anything?
The assessment is free for Ontario residents with a valid OHIP card. If a product is recommended, its cost depends on your insurance coverage — we'll always tell you before you commit.
Do I need to book, or can I walk in?
Both work. Reserving a time guarantees a private consult slot; walk-ins are seen between other appointments.
What happens if my condition is outside the program?
We'll tell you straight away and point you to the right level of care — your family doctor, a walk-in clinic, or the ER if it's urgent. No charge for the conversation.
What should I bring?
Your OHIP card, a list of medications you currently take, and anything relevant to the condition (for example, a photo of a rash earlier in the week).
MedsCheck Medication Reviews
View medscheck medication reviews →Who qualifies for a free MedsCheck?
Generally, Ontario residents with a valid health card who take three or more chronic medications, plus annual reviews for people living with diabetes. Ask our pharmacist — eligibility takes seconds to confirm.
How long does it take?
Plan for 20–30 minutes. It's a sit-down conversation in a private space, not a chat over the counter.
What should I bring?
Everything you take — including vitamins, supplements, inhalers, drops, and anything from other pharmacies. The shoebox method works great: just bring it all in.
What do I get at the end?
A complete, up-to-date medication list you can keep in your wallet and share with your doctor, plus any recommendations we discussed — in plain language.
Compression Stocking Fittings
View compression stocking fittings →Do I need anything from my doctor?
Not to be fitted. If you want to claim the cost through your insurance plan, most insurers ask for a recommendation note from your doctor — we'll tell you exactly what your plan needs.
How long does a fitting take?
About 15 minutes. We measure in the morning-to-midday window when possible, since legs are least swollen then — it makes for a more accurate fit.
Will my insurance cover them?
Many extended health plans cover medical-grade compression each year. Bring your benefits card and we'll help you figure out what your plan allows.
What brands and styles do you carry?
Medical-grade graduated compression in knee-high, thigh-high, and pantyhose styles, in a range of compression levels, colours and fabrics. If we don't stock your size, we order it — usually within a few days.
Diabetes Supplies & Coaching
View diabetes supplies & coaching →Do you carry my meter's test strips?
We stock strips and lancets for the major meter brands and can order others quickly. If you're not sure what fits your meter, bring it in — we'll match it on the spot.
Is the coaching covered?
Ontario residents living with diabetes qualify for a free annual diabetes-focused medication review under the MedsCheck program. Ask our pharmacist to book yours.
Can you help me use my meter properly?
Yes — technique matters more than people think. We'll walk through testing, timing, and what the numbers actually mean for your day.
What about supplies my plan covers?
Bring your benefits card. We'll check what your plan allows for strips and supplies and help you stay inside those limits.
Organic & Natural Wellness
View organic & natural wellness →What is NatureBalm?
Our in-house balm, handcrafted in the pharmacy for severely dry, cracked skin. Organic ingredients — shea butter, beeswax, calendula, lavender — made to pharmaceutical-grade quality standards. 50 g jar $18, 100 g jar $30, in-store only.
Are these products tested or vetted?
Everything on this shelf was chosen by our pharmacists. We read the ingredient lists so you don't have to, and we'll tell you plainly when a cheaper alternative works just as well.
Can you recommend something for sensitive skin?
That's exactly what we're here for. Tell us what's been irritating your skin and we'll point you to fragrance-free, paraben-free options that fit.
Weight Management Consultations
View weight management consultations →What happens at the first consultation?
Plan for 30 minutes, one-on-one, in our private consultation room. We review your health history, the medicines and supplements you already take, your goals, and anything that has been tried before. You leave with a written plan and a clear idea of what the next step is.
Can the pharmacy start me on a weight-management medicine?
No — that decision belongs to your doctor or nurse practitioner. What we do is help you understand the options, prepare for that appointment with good questions, and support you day to day once a plan is in place.
I am already on a weight-management medicine. Can you still help?
Yes, and this is where a pharmacist is most useful. We review the rest of your routine for interactions, go through injection technique properly, help you manage side effects, track your progress between doctor visits, and flag anything worth raising with your care team.
Do I need a referral?
No. Reserve a time below, or call us directly.
Is this covered by OHIP?
The consultation is a private service and is not OHIP-covered. We will tell you the fee before you book anything, and some extended health plans reimburse pharmacist consultations — we can help you check yours.
Will I be weighed or lectured?
Only if you want to be. We do not keep a tally and we do not moralise. You set the goals; our job is to bring pharmacy expertise to them.
Quit Smoking Support
View quit smoking support →I have tried to quit before and it did not work. Is there any point?
Yes. Most people who stop for good have several attempts behind them. Each one teaches you something about your own triggers, which is why a structured plan built on what already failed tends to work better than starting from scratch.
What does the first session cover?
About 30 minutes in the consultation room. We map when and why you smoke, pick a quit date that fits your actual week, and choose a nicotine replacement approach matched to how much you smoke and when your first cigarette of the day is.
Is nicotine replacement safe?
For most adults, yes, and it is considerably safer than continuing to smoke. We go through the exceptions with you and check it against everything else you take.
What does it cost?
The consultation is a private service and we quote the fee before you commit. Many extended health plans reimburse pharmacist consultations and some cover nicotine replacement — bring your benefits card and we will read the fine print with you.
What about vaping?
Same conversation. Whether you are trying to stop vaping outright or came to vaping from cigarettes and want to finish the job, the plan is built the same way.
Do you tell my doctor?
Only if you want us to, and it is usually a good idea. Some quit-smoking treatments are your doctor's decision rather than ours, and we help you prepare for that conversation.
Safe Medication Disposal
View safe medication disposal →Does it cost anything?
No. Take-back is funded through the Ontario stewardship program. There is no fee and you do not need to have been a customer here.
What can I bring?
Tablets, capsules, liquids, creams, inhalers, patches, eye drops, vitamins and supplements, and used needles or lancets in a proper sharps container. Household chemicals, cleaning products and batteries go elsewhere — we will tell you where.
Do I need to take the labels off?
Not for our sake, and we do not read them. If the label has your name on it and that bothers you, score it out with a marker before you come in. Everything is destroyed either way.
Will anyone ask what it was for?
No. Hand it over the counter and that is the end of it. This matters to people clearing out a relative's home, and we treat it accordingly.
What about needles?
Bring them in a rigid sharps container with the lid closed — never in a bag, a bottle or a jar. If you need a container, ask us and we will give you one to take home.
Can I just put old medicine in the bin?
Please do not. Medication in household waste ends up in landfill and in groundwater, and medication left in a cupboard is one of the more common causes of accidental poisoning in children and pets.
Still have a question?
Phone is fastest — 905-201-1497 reaches a real pharmacist, not a phone tree. Or send us a note and we'll reply within one business day.