Many Ontario residents will soon have easier access to getting a common COVID-19 treatment.
As of Monday, December 12, pharmacists will have the ability to prescribe Paxlovid, an antiviral treatment option used to reduce severe outcomes from COVID.
Justin Bates, CEO of the Ontario Pharmacists Association says pharmacists will be able to opt-in to the program to prescribe the drug to eligible individuals in-person or virtually, including over the phone, at no cost.
“Pharmacy professionals have played a critical role supporting patients and the health system throughout the pandemic,” Bates said. “By enabling pharmacists to prescribe Paxlovid, we will improve access to treatment for Ontarians with the goal of reducing COVID-related hospitalizations.”
Eligibility for Paxlovid includes:
- Symptoms that are consistent with COVID-19;
- A positive lab-based PCR, rapid molecular, or rapid antigen test (including rapid tests done at home);
- The prescribing occurs within five days of symptom onset;
- The individual receiving the prescription is;
- 60 years of age or older
- 18 years of age or older and is immunocompromised
- 18 to 59 years old and at a higher risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes including having chronic medical conditions (such as diabetes, heart or lung disease) or inadequate immunity against COVID-19 (i.e., not up-to-date on vaccines).
Paxlovid prescriptions also remain available through any physician or nurse practitioner in Ontario as well as clinical assessment centres across the province.