Giving flu shots, renewing non-narcotic prescriptions and teaching people how to use an asthma inhaler.

Pharmacists have now been giving the green light by the province to expand their roles and do all those things - starting now.

The Premier underlined how important this will be to the healthcare system but couldn't say how much this will save. Dalton McGuinty says he anticipates flu shot numbers will go up because of the convenience, noting only one in three Ontarians get their shot each year.

Health Minister Deb Matthews says prescriptions can be renewed for six months or altered, underlining the pharmacist will contact your family doctor after they've made a change.

Not every pharmacy will be able to give flu shots from the get-go, only 600 will start, so be sure to check before you go. The Ontario Pharmacists Association anticipates every pharmacy will be capable by next year.

CEO Dennis Darby reveals they have been training pharmacists for months, anticipating this would be announced. He says they believe this is just the start of a new conversation with the Ontario government.