Pharmacists in Ontario allowed to prescribe antiviral Paxlovid for COVID-19

Pharmacists across Ontario will soon be allowed to prescribe an antiviral medication used to reduce outcomes from COVID-19.

Starting on Monday, pharmacists will be allowed to prescribe Paxlovid to eligible patients at no cost, both in person or virtually.

Health Minister Sylvia Jones says increasing access to these treatments in more convenient ways will help people remain healthy and reduce COVID related hospital admissions.

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People who are eligible for the antiviral drug must have COVID-19 symptoms as well as a positive COVID-19 test.

The drug is meant for people who are immunocompromised, and over the age of 60 – treatment should be sought within five days of symptom onset.

Pharmacists have already been distributing Paxlovid in 4,000 locations across Ontario for those who have a prescription says Jones.

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