Ontario pharmacists can assess, and where appropriate prescribe for, a list of common minor ailments. The list grew from 19 to 28 conditions on July 1, 2026. At McKnight's Pharmacy, both of our Hamilton locations run a pharmacist walk-in minor ailment clinic, with no appointment needed.
The 28 minor ailments Ontario pharmacists can assess
- Acne (mild)
- Allergic rhinitis
- Calluses and corns
- Canker sores (aphthous ulcers)
- Cold sores (herpes labialis)
- Conjunctivitis, or pink eye (bacterial, allergic or viral)
- Dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis)
- Dermatitis (atopic/eczema, allergic or contact)
- Diaper dermatitis
- Dry eye
- Dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps)
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Head lice
- Hemorrhoids
- Impetigo
- Insect bites and urticaria (hives)
- Jock itch (tinea cruris)
- Mild headache (tension-type)
- Musculoskeletal sprains and strains
- Nasal congestion (viral rhinitis, rhinosinusitis)
- Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy
- Oral thrush (candidal stomatitis)
- Pinworms and threadworms
- Ringworm (tinea corporis)
- Tick bites (post-exposure prevention of Lyme disease)
- Urinary tract infections (uncomplicated)
- Warts (excluding face and genitals)
- Yeast infection (vulvovaginal candidiasis)
Source: Ontario Ministry of Health, Executive Officer Notice: Update to Funding for Minor Ailment Services in Ontario Pharmacies (May 19, 2026). The nine conditions added on July 1, 2026 are calluses and corns, mild tension-type headache, head lice, dandruff, ringworm, jock itch, warts, nasal congestion and dry eye.
How it works
Walk in, no appointment needed. Our pharmacists can assess and, where appropriate, prescribe for these common conditions. Minor ailments are generally short-term conditions that usually don't need lab tests and need only minimal follow-up. If your symptoms suggest something that needs a doctor's or nurse practitioner's care, the pharmacist will tell you and refer you.
For Ontario residents with a valid health card, the assessment is publicly funded.
What to bring
- Your Ontario health card
- A list of your current medications and any allergies
Where to go
Visit either location during opening hours: 685 Main Street East, (905) 545-7474, or 460 Main Street East, Unit 102, (289) 396-4700. Free parking is available at both.
Learn more on our minor ailment clinic page, or email our pharmacists at info@mcknightsdrugs.com.