Making it Easier for Ontarians to Access COVID-19 Antiviral Treatments

The government is making it easier for Ontarians to access COVID-19 antiviral treatments closer to home by allowing pharmacists to prescribe Paxlovid.    

Starting December 12, eligible Ontarians can visit their local pharmacies for Paxlovid prescriptions, making it more convenient for people to access to another option to receive this treatment.

Ontarians are encouraged to keep up to date with vaccinations, which remains the best way for people to stay healthy this flu and respiratory illness season and prevent unnecessary visits to the hospital.

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).

 
News Release

EN: https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1002565/ontarians-can-now-visit-local-pharmacies-for-paxlovid-prescriptions

FR: https://news.ontario.ca/fr/release/1002565/la-population-ontarienne-peut-maintenant-se-rendre-dans-les-pharmacies-locales-pour-obtenir-des-ordonnances-de-paxlovid