COVID-19 Oral Treatments Update

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee has recommended expanded eligibility criteria for COVID-19 oral antiviral treatments, Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir and ritonavir) and Lagevrio (molnupiravir).

From Monday 11 July 2022, eligibility has been broadened to include people who have chronic respiratory issues due to conditions such as COPD, moderate or severe asthma and there is also greater access for adults living with disability who have multiple medical conditions. Not being vaccinated has been removed as a risk factor from the criteria for prescription under the PBS.

All Australians aged over 70 who test positive to COVID-19, with or without symptoms, are now able to access these oral antivirals on the PBS. It is critical that oral treatments are accessible for every COVID positive resident over 70 years of age.

In the coming weeks, St Sergius will be:  

• discussing consent options for potential treatment with the aged care residents and relevant decision-makers
• identifying eligible aged care residents in RACF clinical management systems.
• discussing potential medicine administration with the aged care resident’s prescriber, GP, nurse practitioner and facility clinical care staff
• ensuring a dispensing pathway is established with community pharmacy.

Reference: 

https://www.health.gov.au/health-alerts/covid-19/treatments/eligibility?utm_source=health.gov.au&utm_medium=redirect&utm_ campaign=digital_transformation&utm_content=oral-treatments