Ontario’s government announced that pharmacists will now be able to write prescriptions for Paxlovid.

Paxlovid is used as an antiviral medication to treat Covid-19. It has been used to treat those who are more at risk for complications from Covid-19.

Starting Dec. 12 local pharmacies will be given the go-ahead to write the prescriptions for those that are seen in-person, virtually or by telephone.

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. Individuals with complex health conditions may need to see their primary care provider or go to a clinical assessment centre for Paxlovid, based on the clinical judgement of the pharmacist.

Upwards of 4,000 pharmacies will be allowed into the Paxlovid prescription program.

With COVID-19 vaccines and free flu shots available to everyone six months and older and bivalent booster doses also available to those 12 and over, Ontarians continue to be strongly encouraged by the province to get both their flu and COVID-19 shots as soon as possible this respiratory illness season to help restore protection that may have decreased since their last dose.