Oral COVID-19 Treatments Available For Eligible Groups

People at higher risk of severe illness are now eligible for antiviral treatments.

These antiviral treatments, taken as capsules or tablets, may help stop COVID-19 infection from becoming severe.

The oral treatments need to commence as soon as possible after symptoms first begin.

If you test positive for COVID, you may be eligible for antiviral treatments if you are:

• 70 years or older, regardless of risk factors and with or without symptoms;
• 50 years or older with two additional risk factors; or
• Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, 30 years or older with two additional risk factors.

People aged 18 or older testing positive for COVID-10 who are immuno-compromised, whether moderately or severely, may also be eligible for antiviral treatments.

Visit the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme website for the full list of risk factors.

If you test positive, you should contact your doctor for advice about eligibility first.

Your doctor will issue a prescription if they recommend oral antiviral treatments and, as you will be in isolation, they can send that prescription to the pharmacy electronically for a family member or friend to collect on your behalf.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should not have oral COVID-19 treatments.

Anyone with severe kidney or liver disease should not have Paxtovid COVID-19 treatment, but ask their healthcare provider for an alternative.

• Topics:

• Health & Wellness
• COVID-19