More Australians eligible for COVID-19 antiviral treatment in bid to stem hospitalisations
Australians aged over 70 who test positive to COVID-19 will be able to access the antivirals, known as Lagevrio and Paxlovid, on the PBS from tomorrow.
GPs can write a script for them.
People aged over 50 with at least two underlying serious health conditions, as well as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people aged 30 and older with at least two health risk factors, can also access the anti-viral drugs.
The new changes do not affect the ability of people aged 18 and older who are severely immunocompromised or have severe intellectual or physical disabilities needing residential care, as well as people with cerebral palsy or down syndrome, from requesting antiviral treatment.
The Paxlovid tablet for coronavirus patients is produced by pharmaceutical giant Pfizer. (AP)
People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid antivirals and those with severe kidney or liver disease should not take Paxlovid.
Men who take Lagevrio are advised to use contraception while taking the antiviral and for three months after.
Meanwhile, millions of Australians will become eligible for a fourth COVID jab from tomorrow.
The Australian Technical Advisory Group last week recommended that people aged 50 to 64 years old should receive a fourth dose, while people aged 30 to 49 years old may choose to have a fourth dose.
People aged 65 and over are already eligible for a fourth dose.
9NEWS
