Eligibility of COVID Antiviral Treatments

From 11 July 2022, more Australians at higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 are able to access oral antiviral treatments following new recommendations from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee.  Groups who will benefit include:

• immunocompromised people over the age of 18
• people with a broader range of chronic respiratory issues
• adults living with disability who have multiple medical conditions

Several prescription-only oral treatments have been found to be effective in treating mild to moderate COVID-19 in adults aged 18 years of age and older, who do not require supplemental oxygen, and who are at increased risk of progressing to hospitalisation.

This new eligibility criteria includes updated age limits and risk factors.

The changes have been made based on the latest evidence on the effectiveness and safety of these medicines.

COVID-19 can be life-threatening for adults in high-risk groups, even when they are fully vaccinated. The new oral antivirals have already benefited more than 73,000 Australians.

The antiviral treatments, which are taken as a tablet or capsule, can help to stop COVID-19 infection from becoming severe – but they need to be started early after testing positive.

Please talk to your doctor now about your COVID-19 treatment options and your eligibility.

More information is available here.