Paxlovid Expanding to Ontario Pharmacies

Thursday, 8 December 2022 09:39

By Marcie Culbert

The oral medication, an antiviral treatment for COVID-19, will be available next week

ONTARIO - Ontario pharmacists will soon be able to prescribe Paxlovid, an antiviral treatment for people with COVID-19 that can help reduce severe outcomes related to the virus.

Health Minister Sylvia Jones says that pharmacists will be able to prescribe the oral medication in-person, virtually, and over the phone as of Monday December 12th.

“In addition to getting your COVID-19 booster and flu shot, Ontarians are now able to also talk to their local pharmacist about a prescription for Paxlovid. This expansion of pharmacists’ scope of practice is just one more way our government is making it easier for Ontarians to access health care right in their own communities.”

Only seniors over the age of 60 and immunocompromised adults over 18 will be able to receive the prescription. Adults between the ages of 18 and 59 can also qualify for the prescription if they have a chronic health condition (ex: diabetes, lung, or heart disease) or if they have inadequate immunity against the virus (this includes those who are not up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations).

Those who are eligible must receive the prescription within five days of showing COVID-19 symptoms and test positive for the virus using a lab-based PCR, rapid molecular, or rapid antigen test (including at home tests).

Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore says pharmacists will be able to prescribe Paxlovid at no cost.

“Authorizing pharmacists to prescribe Paxlovid will expand access and offer increased protection to the most vulnerable and mitigate pressures on the province’s hospital capacity. I continue to strongly recommend that everyone across the province stays up to date on their vaccinations as it is the most effective way we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from the most serious effects of COVID-19.”

Paxlovid prescriptions will continue to remain available through physicians and nurse practitioners.