Updated July 2024

The new Trillium year starts on August 1st, 2024, and ends on July 31st, 2025.

We’ve outlined what you need to know for renewals, and applying for Trillium coverage for the first time. Plus, we’re always here in case you need help with your application. Get in touch anytime.

Updated July 2024

There are some timing considerations when it comes to getting your 3-month supply of prescription medications.

To get a 3-month supply when you are on Trillium, you must order your prescription at the beginning of each Trillium quarter. In the second half of the year, Trillium begins to limit 3-month supplies depending on when you order in the quarter.

Find out more about how to schedule your prescriptions to ensure you get 3-month supplies throughout the Trillium year.

Updated July 2024

If you’ve lost your drug plan benefits or need help paying for your HIV and other medications, the Trillium Drug Plan can provide support for high-cost prescription medications. Anyone with an Ontario Health Card is eligible to apply, and deductibles are calculated based on your income. If you need help getting form, completing the form, or even sending it in, The Village Pharmacy can help. Get in touch anytime.

This fall, Ontarians will have access to three vaccines to protect against common viruses: Flu shots, a new COVID-19 vaccine, and the RSV Vaccine.

The Village Pharmacy at 535 Yonge Street, north of College, and 2518 Yonge Street at Castlefield has all three vaccines in stock. Call or email to book your appointment today.

DoxyPEP is post-expsoure prophylaxis using Doxycycline. Here's all you need to know about DoxyPEP, including how to get it in Ontario and the health benefits of DoxyPEP.

Lots of updates this summer including COVID-19 Expanded 4th Doses + New Trillium Year Starts August 1, 2022 + Focus on HIV & Women + HIV Injectables , and New Midtown Location Now Open.

OBD Coverage + Co-pay assistance for Cabenuva, Eligibility for 3rd and 4th doses of the COVID-19 vaccine + The Village Pharmacy Midtown opening soon!

People living with HIV have a higher risk for heart disease, by up to 1.5 to 2 times higher than the general population. And, research shows that traditional methods of assessing heart disease risk are not as effective for people living with HIV. Find out what current research is saying about HIV & heart disease, and how you can minimize your risk.

There are two options for PrEP in Canada - Descovy and Truvada. Both Descovy and Truvada are approved by Health Canada to prevent HIV infection, when taken as prescribed, 1 pill, once-a-day. Here’s more info on what you need to know about the differences between Descovy and Truvada for PrEP.

Did you take a break from PrEP this past COVID year? We’ve been fielding questions from our clients about how to restart PrEP. Here’s the good news - it’s a straightforward process to get back on PrEP. Check out our handy checklist of what you’ll need to get back on PrEP.

A summary of the latest on the COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout for our clients and community in Church-Wellesley Village and across Toronto. Everyone 18+ in Ontario is now eligible to book. You’ll find links to book your COVID-19 vaccine on the Ontario & Toronto portals, links to search for clinics near you, and additional resources. All links and information verified.

Now is a great time to take stock and think about your health, especially if you want to prevent illness, are living with HIV, or have other health conditions. Beyond getting your COVID-19 vaccine, vaccines like Gardasil, Shingrix, Twinrix and others are immensely effective at protecting you against common, preventable illnesses. Find out more about these vaccines, how much they cost, coverage options and more.

Webinar by Zahid: What you need to know about COVID-19 & HIV, what’s new in HIV treatment, plus addressing common concerns when it comes to taking your HIV meds. Presented at ACT Toronto’s Community Health Forum.

Is Cabenuva right for you? Cabenuva is a Health Canada approved long-acting HIV injection therapy that you receive once a month. No more pills! Read on for more info about Cabenuva and if it's right for you. The Village Pharmacy is an approved Cabenuva injection site. Questions? Get in touch with us anytime.

Study shows accessing HIV testing in a pharmacy setting is both feasible and acceptable. And, due to ongoing demand, the GetATest program will continue at The Village Pharmacy until May 2021.

On December 1, 2019, The Village Pharmacy launched the GetATest HIV Testing Pilot.

In partnership with the Ontario HIV Treatment Network, this pilot program sought to assess the feasibility of administering HIV tests by a trained pharmacist, in a pharmacy setting. Read on for more info about the study and results from the first 6 months of the pilot.

October 5, 2020: Zahid Somani, Pharmacist-Owner of The Village Pharmacy, gives an overview of new research on COVID-19 for people living with HIV in Toronto, and practical tips on staying healthy during the COVID-19 outbreak.

People living with HIV are not at greater risk for COVID-19 infection than the general population. But, the most recent research suggests that people with HIV and low CD4 counts, or other medical conditions, may be at higher risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19.

March 29, 2020: Zahid Somani, Pharmacist-Owner of The Village Pharmacy, answers frequently asked questions about Coronavirus / COVID-19 for people living with HIV in Toronto.

COVID-19 Update from The Village Pharmacy

If you are unwell, please request your prescriptions online, or download the app. We will deliver your meds for free, anywhere in Toronto / GTA.

More info about COVID-19…

Across Canada, 23% of people with HIV, are women. And 1 in 5 new infections are among women. Women from many different backgrounds and circumstances are affected by HIV. 

Most HIV treatments work as effectively for women as they do for men. However, women experience different side effects than men.

Let’s face it – being on medication is hard.

Even basics like remembering to take your medications can sometimes feel overwhelming, let alone managing side effects, worrying about interactions with over-the-counter medications or new prescriptions. For people living with HIV, I always recommend an in-depth consultation with your pharmacist, once-a-year, to review your medications.

Review the checklist to see if an HIV medication consultation can help you.