Eligibility for the COVID anti-viral drug Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir and ritonavir tablets) on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) will be expanded from 1 April. It will then include people aged 60 to 69 with mild to moderate COVID with one additional risk factor for developing severe disease.
Pfizer Australia and New Zealand medical director Dr Krishan Thiru said: “As winter approaches, we anticipate a heightened impact of COVID-19 in the community, as has occurred in the previous three years.
“This widening of PBS eligibility criteria means many more Australians most at risk of severe disease may be able to access Paxlovid through the PBS if they test positive for COVID-19, and take treatment at home.”
Paxlovid is now available on the PBS for those with mild to moderate COVID= confirmed by a PCR or a RAT test who meet the following criteria:
• All people 70 years of age or older
• From 1 April, people aged between 60 and 69 with one additional risk factor for developing severe disease
• People aged 50 or older, with two additional risk factors
• People aged 30 or older, identifying as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, with one risk factor
Paxlovid is a prescription only oral medicine taken twice daily for five days. It should be taken as soon as possible after a diagnosis of COVID-19, and within five days of symptoms appearing.
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